A forensic linguistic investigation of the features of threat text messages in the Windhoek High Court from 2014 - 2019
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Date
2021-03-19
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The study of forensic linguistics contributes to the development of language when applied to threat text messages. Forensic linguistics involves the application of linguistic insights, knowledge and methods to language, judicial procedures, the forensic context of law, crime investigation, and trial (Olsson and Luchjenbroers, 2013). The present study investigated the features of threat text messages in the Windhoek High Court from 2014 - 2019 through the forensic linguistics lens. Permission was obtained from the Office of the Judiciary located in Windhoek. The study employed the speech acts theory as a framework for analysis. The speech acts theory assumes three aspects: the locutionary, illocutionary and the perlocutionary speech acts. The text selection criteria procedures were used to establish the merit of data from the threat text messages documents. Qualitative research methods were used to organise and analyse the data. The study found out that threat text messages can be analysed through forensic linguistics to reveal hidden criminal messages. The study also revealed that phonetic acts can be used to transcribe threat text messages. This helps in conveying and preventing the distortion of messages from one courtroom to another. The same message can be read in the exact same way as it was sent in a phonetic transcription. The study recommends that a similar study can be conducted by using a different theory other than the speech acts. Theories such as feminism, interactionism and the same morphological theories could generate different results that can enhance the study of language.
Description
THESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SUPERVISOR: DR NIKLAAS FREDERICKS
Keywords
Master's thesis, Namibia, Forensic linguistics, threat text messages, locutionary, illocutionary, perlocutionary speech acts
Citation
Katsavara, M. (2021). A forensic linguistic investigation of the features of threat text messages in the Windhoek High Court from 2014 - 2019 [Master's thesis: Namibia University of Science and Technology].