Corpus linguistics is a methodology whereby large collections of electronically transcribed texts are used in conjunction with computer tools to investigate language. This module aims to give you a general introduction into corpus based language study. It centres around two main parts – corpus methods for exploring linguistic variation and the applications of corpus linguistics such as language teaching, forensic linguistics and discourse analysis. In this module you will learn how to use corpus analysis packages such as CQpWeb, #LancsBox and Antconc.

This module introduces you to the broad arena of forensic linguistics.

You will look back over some of the seminal cases in the field, and reflect on its rapidly evolving present and future. You will formulate your own understanding of the potential and actual range of applications, and you will be given the opportunity to develop a practical skillset by, e.g. conducting analyses of texts through various forensic linguistic lenses.

You will also be introduced to the intricacies of presenting and understanding scientific evidence within various legal arenas, as well as the challenges that can arise when communicating results and conclusions.

In short, this module gives you the chance to develop both the knowledge and skills necessary to apply forensic linguistics to a wide range of real-world contexts from intelligence analytics and security sector roles to law enforcement and private consultancy.

Forensic speech science takes key speech science concepts and applies them to real-life problems that arise in forensic and investigative contexts such as analysing fraudulent telephone calls or threatening voicemail messages to assist in determining the identity of the speaker.

This module provides a hands-on opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that address questions around the identity of unknown speakers, while fostering a strong grasp of the limitations that come with voice data. This module also tackles small-scale and large-scale speech analysis tasks beyond speaker identification that serve the interests of forensic and intelligence organisations.

Importantly, this module engages with current developments in speech technology and the responsible implementation of these systems in security and investigative contexts. Not only is this module valuable to prospective employers in law enforcement and protection, but it also introduces transferable skills that are relevant to other sectors such as data science.

Foundations of Speech Science brings together the theories, frameworks and analysis skills that underpin speech production, speech perception and their applications.

This module will guide you through the phonetic description of speech sounds, introduce you to quantitative methods of analysing speech, and develop a firm understanding of inter- and intra-speaker variation. It will consider how human speech and speech analysis interact with the modern digital world, as well as explore issues and challenges in practical applications of speech science.

This module introduces you to a range of issues, methods, and ethical debates that are particularly relevant to different types of forensic language analysis. For instance, we might discuss questions such as: How we handle the intersection of Al, forensic linguistics, and forensic speech science? How do we incorporate big data into our analyses responsibly? Are there ways to validate methods in this field, and if so, how do we both set and then achieve standards that are acceptable in different forensic contexts?

As well as considering present concerns, throughout the module we will reflect on past issues that contextualise the progress that has been made in the field, and we will scan the horizon for potential future concerns that may shape the next developmental steps in forensic linguistics, including areas that will be critical for (future) practitioners in the field to have in mind.

This module will introduce you to issues in experimental phonetics, as well as the practical skills necessary to undertake a research project in this area. You will learn how to use acoustic analysis software, such as Praat, and also learn to carry out data processing and analysis using R (a statistical programming language). We will also cover appropriate statistical methods and aspects of phonetic and linguistic theory. This module is suitable for students who have already got some undergraduate background in phonetics (we assume knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet, articulatory descriptions, basic acoustic phonetics).

This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts and approaches involved in the study of the ways in which language reflects society. We will study how variation in language relates to social factors like gender, age, social class, and ethnicity. We will also consider the social contexts under which language varies, and connect the variation found in everyday speech to the larger forces that drive language change over time. This module will feature hands-on research, allowing you to collect data on how people use language in real life, as well as quantitative analysis skills.