Introduction to forensic speech science

Aims

Aims

This module introduces the scope, tasks and practices of forensic speech and audio analysis.

By the end of this module students will achieve:

• an understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin analysis of speech involved in criminal settings;
• an understanding of the problems involved in performing suitable analysis where the available materials are difficult and/or sensitive;
• experience of the practical problems involved in analysis of difficult and sensitive materials;
• appreciation of ethical issues involved in collecting and analysing criminal data;
• skills in auditory analysis and digital processing of forensic recordings.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

4 contact hours per week: 2 lectures, 2 labs.

Teaching programme

Topics to be covered include:

• the range of tasks in forensic speech analysis
• the development of speaker identification, including “voiceprinting”voice line-ups and lay witness evidence
• transcription of difficult recordings
• authentication
• forensic linguistics
• analysis of speech and language in testing asylum claims
• handling and processing evidential materials.

Teaching materials

Preliminary readings:

• Jessen, M. (2008) Forensic phonetics.  Language and Lingustics Compass 2: 671-711.
• Nolan, F. (2001) Speaker identification evidence: its forms, limitations, and roles. Proceedings of the conference ‘Law and Language: Prospect and Retrospect’, Levi, Finland. http://www.ling.cam.ac.uk/francis/LawLang.doc

Essential readings will be identified each week. Key readings are available in a course pack or online.

Assessment

Assessment

Formative work

• A lab report

Summative assessment

• Two lab reports
  • Weight: 25% each
• 2-hour timed examination
  • Weight: 50%