Aston University Forensic Linguistics Experts to Host Immersive Event at the Festival of Social Science
Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics is set to host an event as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC’s) Festival of Social Science.
Writing Wrongs: Using Language Analysis to Improve Access to Justice will take place at The Lock Up, West Midlands Police Museum, Steelhouse Lane in Birmingham on Sunday 29 October.
The immersive event will feature acted scenes, accessible talks and practical hands-on activities that will give attendees the opportunity to explore some of the ways in which an understanding of language can be used in addressing issues of justice.
The day’s activities will revolve around the legislation, commission, investigation and prosecution of an instance of a language crime, namely the sending of a grossly offensive message in contravention of the Communications Act 2003 with talks from members of the Institute’s director Professor Tim Grant and research team members Dr Nicci MacLeod, Dr Tahmineh Tayebi, Dr Annina Heini and Dr Felicity Deamer.
Participants will have the opportunity to critique the complexities of legal language, debate the meaning of ‘grossly offensive’, engage in authorship analysis (‘who wrote this text?’), evaluate police interview practice, take part in the examination of a witness in court and finally deliberate and deliver a verdict.
The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual, UK-wide, free celebration of the social sciences. It consists of a series of events run each autumn, delivered by ESRC’s ‘festival partners’, higher education institutions spread across the UK. Events range from exhibitions, lectures and panel debates through to performances, guided walks and workshops and is an opportunity for anyone to explore topics from health and wellbeing to crime, equality, education and identity, through events run by researchers from UK universities.
Dr Nicci MacLeod, senior lecturer in forensic linguistics and programme director for the MA in Forensic Linguistics at Aston University, said:
“In the pursuit of justice, words hold immense power.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to this event where we delve into the heart of language analysis, illuminating pathways to a fairer legal system.
“It is open to anyone over the age of 16, but particularly suited to 16 to 18-year-olds who may be considering studying English or linguistics at university.
“Together, we’ll dissect, debate and deliberate, empowering the next generation of linguists and legal minds.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to put your language detective skills to the test, join us to Write some Wrongs!