The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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Based on feedback from members, it has been clear to the Interpreting Division Management Committee for some time that an event on forensic linguistics would attract a considerable number of people. Finding the right speakers was proving challenging, until Marta Stelmaszak, a member of the Committee, decided to take a Masters in Forensic Linguistics at Aston University. This opened doors to a very experienced team and on 9 November we were joined by Dr Krzysztof Kredens, Deputy Director of Aston's Centre for Forensic Linguistics, and Marie Allen, a trainer with South Yorkshire and Humberside Police. They have worked together for three years on the development and delivery of training courses for high-level police interviewers working with interpreters. The event was, indeed, a sell-out. The day was divided into three sessions. Krzysztof began with a general overview. Focusing on the investigative and evidential application of forensic linguistics, he addressed how language description can help police to identify the authors of anonymous texts (eg, extortion letters) and settle legal disputes about the meaning of items such as contracts and allegedly threatening language. He looked at what 'forensic linguistics' actually means in terms of the study of legal text and legal linguistic processes, investigative interviewing, courtroom linguistics and the provision of linguistic evidence. One of the most frequent applications is disputed meanings, including poor transcriptions of undercover police surveillance, varying interpretations of the language used in legislation, and 'gang speak', which may have a different meaning for different groups of people. Linguistic profiling and authorship analysis (increasingly involving the analysis of text messages) is often used. After a lively lunch at the Novotel, Krzysztof went on to look at how second language speakers can be disadvantaged in the criminal justice system, whether as witnesses or suspects. He explored the interpreter's role in legal and forensic contexts, and asked whether they can meet the expectations of stakeholders. It can be distracting if there is more than one interpreter in the interview room (Marie Allen later said that in this case, one should leave the room). Some interpreters do not remain impartial, tending to follow the lawyer's instructions rather than faithfully conveying everything being said. Tape transcription is a very specific skill, which interpreters are often asked to undertake but for which they often do not have appropriate training. This can have a negative impact on the outcome of a case, and the audience felt that a taster training course would be helpful. Krzysztof also discussed the impact of body language, politeness in witness testimony, speech styles in the courtroom, hesitations (very important), the pragmatic interpretation of meanings, culture-specific concepts, swear words, conceptual problems and associative meaning. Our final session was led by Marie Allen, who specialises in training police investigators in gathering evidence from suspects and witnesses in serious and complex cases. As an Interview Advisor, she has assisted in high-profile criminal investigations where the use of interpreters has been pivotal. She started by giving an overview of the police interview, with a focus on second-language speakers as suspects and witnesses. She then explored the purpose and structure of the police interview – and associated misconceptions – and the issues inherent in working with people from different cultural backgrounds. The main aim of the interview is to find out 'who's done it' and officers need to interview all the people who might have been involved. Many things can be proved by forensic evidence; the other vital element is talking. In that process, accurate and reliable information is needed that is untainted by what the police might 'think' has happened. The witness evidence gathered must be able to stand up to the scrutiny of a courtroom. It is crucial that interpreters are briefed before the interview and they should feel confident to insist on this. At the start of any interview, they should explain to all parties what their role is and that they will remain impartial at all times. They should be prepared for 'open' and repetitive questioning and interpret in the same style. They should never be left alone in the interviewing room with the interviewee and should not agree to be left alone to take statements. Marie gave an in-depth insight into the police caution and the importance of its very precise wording; the onus is on the interviewer to check that the suspect understands it. Failure to deliver an accurate interpretation can have a serious impact on the progress of any criminal case and interpreters should ensure that they have a properly translated version with them at all times. If they are unsure of any aspect of the translation, they should ask a colleague or tutor for help. Feedback after the event was very positive: 'We interpreters need this sort of training more often, excellent,' said one participant. Another agreed: 'Hugely enjoyed this event, very intellectually stimulating and great to meet fellow linguists.' 32 The Linguist FEBRUARY/MARCH www.iol.org.uk INSTITUTE MATTERS DIVISIONS & SOCIETIES Who dunnit? A linguist's role CHRISTINE POCOCK REPORTS ON A FASCINATING INTERPRETING DIVISION EVENT LOOKING AT FORENSIC LINGUISTICS AND THE INTERPRETER'S ROLE IN CRIMINAL CASES © I S TOCKPHOTO