The Application of Forensic Linguistics in Cybercrime Investigations

Abstract

Forensic linguistics is the application of linguistic knowledge and theory to forensic, legal, or criminal contexts. This article sets out some of the ways the forensic linguists can and do contribute to cybercrime investigations, as well as indicating how a basic knowledge of linguistics can be of use to investigators. This article introduces both investigative and evidentiary applications, including comparative authorship analysis, sociolinguistic profiling, and the determination of meaning. Through a discussion of casework and research this article aims to increase awareness and provide an introduction into the field of forensic linguistics, and its potential applications within the field of cybercrime. This article will focus on native language influence detection as an example of an area of forensic linguistic research and methodology that can be applied in cybercrime casework, discussing both the research and its findings, and demonstrating potential application.