An Introduction to Forensic Linguistics: Language in Evidence - Hardcover

Coulthard, Malcolm; Johnson, Alison; Wright, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1138641707 ISBN 13: 9781138641709

Publisher: Routledge, 2016

Synopsis

An Introduction to Forensic Linguistics: Language in Evidence has established itself as the essential textbook written by leading authorities in this expanding field. The second edition of this bestselling textbook begins with a new introduction and continues in two parts.

Part One deals with the language of the legal process, and begins with a substantial new chapter exploring key theoretical and methodological approaches. In four updated chapters it goes on to cover the language of the law, initial calls to the emergency services, police interviewing, and courtroom discourse. Part Two looks at language as evidence, with substantially revised and updated chapters on the following key topics:

• the forensic linguist
• forensic phonetics
• authorship attribution
• the linguistic investigation of plagiarism
• the linguist as expert witness.

The authors combine an array of perspectives on forensic linguistics, using knowledge and experience gained in legal settings – Coulthard in his work as an expert witness for cases such as the Birmingham Six and the Derek Bentley appeal, and Johnson as a former police officer. Research tasks, further reading, web links, and a new conclusion ensure that this remains the core textbook for courses in forensic linguistics and language and the law. A glossary of key terms is also available at https://www.routledge.com/products/9781138641716 and on the Routledge Language and Communication Portal.

About this title

About the Author

David Wright is a professor and the Canada Research Chair in the History of Health Policy at McGill University.

Review

‘The substantially revised edition of this pioneering forensic linguistics textbook combines the formidable expertise and wisdom of two of the field’s most respected leaders with the fresh perspective of one of its bright new scholars. Students will love the fascinating illustrative data from a large number of real cases from five continents.’ Diana Eades, University of New England, Australia

'This book is quite superb. It provides a neat introduction to the subject area for those who have no formal background in linguistics.' Matthew Kewley, Barrister

'The revisions to this book have given it a renewed clarity of voice within this impressive body of work particularly through the attention to theoretical and methodological context at the outset and the forward-looking conclusion at the end.' Francis Rock, Cardiff University, UK

'Comprehensive and well-written. Very much improved on 1st edition. Exercises invaluable for teachers. Authors are genuine forensic linguists with hands-on experience - this shines through the book.' Paul Simpson, Liverpool University, UK

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1138641707
• ISBN 13: 9781138641709
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 254