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Forensic Linguistics Short Course

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The Forensic Linguistics Short Course is set for a major revamp in its upcoming edition, scheduled for March 2026. This new format will concentrate on specialized areas of forensic linguistics, such as authorship profiling and the use of large language models in forensic analysis.

For its six editions thus far, the Forensic Linguistics Short Course addressed subjects within the broadly defined discipline of forensic linguistics. The course is based on working with authentic data and on the use of real cases to illustrate theory. A high degree of participant involvement is encouraged and critical inquiry and debate is wished for.

The international program offers theoretical and applied introductions on topics in forensic linguistics. In addition, participants are provided the opportunity to present their own research in a poster session and take part in excursions. 

Forensic Linguistics

Forensic Linguistics functions as an umbrella term referring to research and practice in all those areas where legal and linguistic interests converge. Generally speaking, it is concerned with the role, shape and evidential value of language in legal and forensic settings. Some areas are:

  • authorship profiling and attribution
  • discourse analysis
  • language and meaning
  • organisation of interaction in legal settings
  • structure and semantics of legal instruments
  • comprehensibility of legal instruments
  • linguistic minorities and linguistic human rights

Press Reports

Sarah Lapacz at the Forensic Linguistics Short Course – Aug 08, 2018

MA student Sarah Lapacz spent a week at the University of Cologne in July, where she attended the Forensic Linguistics Short Course. Read more.

The Forensic Linguistics Short Course was well organized. It was an excellent program during which I have learned a lot about Forensic Linguistics. Thank you for organizing it!
Giovanna G.
Participant in 2019
Thank you for organizing this wonderful course! The scholars are well knowledgeable and very motivated, and the coordinators are helpful in any way possible.
Alice F.
Participant in 2018