Forensic linguistics is the application of the tools, concepts and analytical techniques of linguistics to legal issues involving language. It has at least 13 sub-disciplines, of which I practice four. My expertise in these legal applications derives from my linguistic studies in granmmar, semantics, phonetics, dialectology, language change, lexigcography, and stylistics, as well as from my many years of writing and editing experience. Here is how all of this experience applies to legal cases:.
Forensic Semantics: Analysis of and expert opinion on the meaning of words, phrases, clauses, paragraphs, etc., in legal, personal, and commercial communication (e.g., interpretation of contracts, wills, prenuptial agreements, laws and regulations; trademark/copyright infringement).
Forensic Stylistics: Analysis of the syntax, style, word choice, spelling, punctuation, rhetorical strategies, and other features of anonymous, disputed, or forged documents (including e-mails); expert opinion on plagiarism, authorship and/or characteristics of author.
View Alan Perlman's Expert Witness Profile.
The famous Miranda warning – “you have the right to remain silent…” — is actually very difficult to understand, especially for non-native speakers, who often give up their rights without knowing what they are.
As a student, scholar, and professional writer, I have long been familiar with the standards governing academic honesty and plagiarism. I applied these to many academic publications, including my master's and doctoral theses. I dealt with student plagiarism at various times in my professorial career (1967-1980), and later, as a speechwriter and corporate communicator, I applied these standards to ensure that the content of my work products, including professional articles, was either original or properly attributed.
Perhaps 25% of the cases I handle involve the authorship of anonymous, disputed, or forged documents. The client wants to know who's writing those nasty, threatening emails or letters. I typically ask the client for writing samples from the suspected author. Sometimes there's more than one suspect, and I have to decide which of them may be the author of the anonymous document(s).
There are many different kinds, dozens of areas of emphasis. Ultimately one becomes one's own kind of linguist, depending on where one's interest and preferences lead.
A forensic linguist must be exquisitely sensitive to nuances of text. Where a synonym exists, the very choice of each word represents a decision on the part of the author. Superimposed upon that is the way the word is spelled, abbreviated or capitalized. Truly, a text is a tangle of choices.
All of a sudden, it seems, the search term Plagiarism Rand Paul gets over 40 MILLION Google hits. But the charge is somewhat bogus.
I advertise myself (accurately) as a "linguistics expert" so I sometimes get questions about language usage.
It's not often that forensic linguistics makes the news. It's not nearly as sexy or yucky as the forensics that originates in the pathologist's lab or at the murder site.
"Maybe you already have some or all of the content of your speech, in the form of 'topics I want to discuss' or 'points I want to make.'
'Perfect phrases' is quite an ambitious claim. How perfect are the phrases in this book?
When does a lawyer need a linguist? As Roger Shuy, one of the most pre-eminent forensic linguists, has observed, the interpretation and application of the law are overwhelmingly about language
Alan M. Perlman, PhD
Any successful leader will tell you: Giving a strong presentation is the most immediate and powerful way to set goals, form strategies, and sell your vision-to both internal and external audiences. This book not only tells you how to plan and deliver your address, but also provides phrases for every part of the speech or presentation. Organized by speech type and audience, you'll be walked through the beginning, middle, and end of a speech, giving you effective phrases to use.
Alan M. Perlman, PhD
Endorsed by the National Speakers Association and Toastmasters International -- this book is written by an expert speechwriter whose eloquent voice leads readers through the difficult process of writing a great speech.
