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Forensic Phonetics - LAN00005H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Paul Foulkes
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This course provides an introduction to the practical, ethical, and legal principles of speech analysis in forensic investigations of speech and audio recordings.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

With respect to prerequisites the following modules are equivalent. 

Second year modules

  • Intermediate Language Variation and Change, Sociolinguistics

  • Intermediate Phonetics and Phonology, Acoustic Phonetics and Phonological Analysis

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This course provides an introduction to the practical, ethical, and legal principles of forensic speech analysis in criminal investigations. Through auditory and instrumental analysis, we will investigate the phonetic parameters which can be useful in the process of identifying an individual speaker. We will discuss and replicate phonetic analysis which has been performed in criminal cases. We will also explore the performance of lay listeners in speaker identification, discussing the problems involved in eliciting and using 'earwitness' evidence in court.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you should:

  • understand the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin analysis of recordings involved in forensic cases.

  • understand the problems involved in performing suitable analysis where the available materials are difficult and/or sensitive.

  • have experience of practical problems in analysis of difficult and/or sensitive materials.

  • appreciate the ethical issues involved in collecting and analysing forensic data.

  • have developed your competence in the following skills:

  • analysing data using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods

  • graphic and statistical presentation of data

  • writing professional reports, using standard types of argumentation.

Module content

This module involves a combination of lecture-style teaching and lab-based practical tasks.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Forensic Phonetics		 2.5 hours 60
Essay/coursework
Summative lab report 1500 words		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Forensic Phonetics		 2.5 hours 60
Essay/coursework
Summative lab report 1500 words		 N/A 40

Module feedback

Weekly in lab sessions and office hours.

Formative & summative: general feedback within one week; individual feedback by weeks 8 (F) and 11 (S).

Indicative reading

French, J.P. & Harrison, P. (2006) Investigative and evidential application of forensic speech science. In A. Heaton-Armstrong, E. Shepherd, G. Gudjonsson & D. Wolchover (eds.) Witness Testimony: Psychological, Investigative and Evidential Perspectives. Oxford: OUP. pp. 247-262.

Jessen, M. (2008) Forensic phonetics. Language and Linguistics Compass 2(4): 671-711.

Jessen, M. (2018) Forensic voice comparison. In M. Rathert & J. Visconti (eds.) Handbook of Communication in the Legal Sphere. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 219-255.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.