The September 2009 Chapter Meeting
-
Forensic Linguistics: Real-Life “CSI” with Word People
Ransom notes, terrorist threats, stalker letters…the language used in these documents can give clues about their authors. Forensic linguists apply linguistic analysis to legal documents of all types, and work both with lawyers and law enforcement. This presentation will focus specifically on analysis of written evidence—criminal or potentially criminal communications—using real-life examples. Learn about what the language used in the document can tell us about its author, and the techniques used to find those clues.
Speaker:
Joe Devney is a "word person" himself. He has been a Bay Area technical writer (and STC member) for many years, but his lifelong interest in language is now taking him in a new direction. He took a sabbatical to earn a Master’s degree in Linguistics, and found out about the fascinating field of Forensic Linguistics. You may know Joe from his STC activities. He was president of Berkeley STC for three one-year terms, and has served as a judge for technical communication competitions at both the local and international levels.
Date:
Times:
Location:
Joseph J. Devney, M.A.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
6:00 to 7:00 pm: Networking, conversation & dinner
7:00 to 7:15 pm: Announcements
7:15 to 8:30 pm: Presentation
8:30 to 9:00 pm: Conversation,
follow up on job announcements
9:00 to 9:15 pm: Clear the room; move conversations to the sidewalk
Highlands Country Club,110 Hiller Drive, Oakland, California