Language is an essential component of human communication, shaping our thoughts, relationships, and cultures. In this module, we will delve into the fascinating field of Language and Linguistics, exploring their various intersections with law.
Join us for a series of engaging lectures, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking debates that will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between language, including different aspects of its use, and the relationship with law and policy. You will be offered opportunities to explore the intricate connection between language and law from different perspectives, primarily by tackling the following questions:
- How do language policies and social perceptions of language impact forensic investigations and the pursuit of justice?
- How does the understanding and accurate translation of legal texts contribute to the administration of justice and cross-border communication?
We will have a taste of forensic and sociolinguistics, multilingualism, language policy and the impact that language policies have on diverse communities. We will critically analyse the potential of language policy to perpetuate inequalities and affect language rights. We will discuss the impact of language on education and social perceptions, considering inclusive language policies for social justice. We will examine the influence of language on forensic analyses, such as voice identification and authorship attribution.
Naturally, we will delve into the complexities of translating and interpreting legal documents in police and court settings. We will analyse legal language, its formal nature, precise terminology, and the complex structures found in contracts, treaties, and statutes. We will explore challenges faced by translators, like the loss/distortion of legal concepts, linguistic ambiguity, and nuanced interpretation of terms. Using case studies and exercises, we will examine strategies translators and interpreters employ to overcome these challenges.
Some of the topics we will cover in this module include:
- Language in education policy and multilingualism, with a specific focus on African contexts.
- Games for Social Justice Education: Exploring how language can be used as a tool for promoting social justice.
- Legal Document Language and Their Translation: Analyzing the intricacies of legal language and the challenges involved in translation.
- Interpreting and Cross-Cultural Mediation in Legal Contexts: Examining the role of interpreters in legal proceedings and the cultural complexities they navigate.
- Forensic Sociolinguistics: Investigating how language analysis can contribute to forensic investigations.
Assessment:
As part of the module, you will have the opportunity to create your own research diary or a poster to document your discoveries.
*Please note that the the delivery of this module is dependent on a minimum of 10 students.