Forensic Linguistics

By Prof. Deepak Mashru | National Forensic Sciences Universtiy (INI)

Learners enrolled: 2227 | Exam registration: 532

ABOUT THE COURSE:

This 12-week Online Certificate Course in Forensic Linguistics is a structured academic journey through the intersection of language, crime, law, and investigation. Designed to build foundational expertise and applied insight, the course introduces learners to core linguistic concepts and progressively advances into specialized forensic applications. Divided into three comprehensive modules, the program explores phonetics, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics in legal contexts, while navigating the evolving domains of authorship analysis, deception detection, cyber communication, courtroom interaction, and questioned documents. Unique emphasis is placed on organized crime, media linguistics, and the interpretation of India's new criminal laws. Through a combination of traditional linguistic theory, real-world case studies, and advanced corpus-based methods, learners acquire the analytical tools to decode linguistic evidence, profile communication patterns, and evaluate bias, reliability, and intent in legal discourse. The course culminates with future-focused sessions on AI, NLP, and the institutionalisation of forensic linguistics in national and international frameworks. Whether one is investigating phishing scams, analysing courtroom testimonies, interpreting threat notes, or verifying authorship in cyber disputes, this course equips legal, linguistic, journalistic, and forensic professionals with the clarity and competence to use language as verifiable evidence.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: All the UG and PG students of Law, Language and Forensic Sciences

PREREQUISITES: This course is ideal for linguists, legal professionals, students, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of language and the law. It offers a comprehensive introduction to forensic linguistics, enabling participants to embark on further studies or explore career opportunities in this captivating field.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: This course will enlarge the learning curve of all the concerned individuals who are involved into forensics i.e. investigation where lingustics/language plays a significant role.

Summary

Course Status :	Ongoing
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	12 weeks
Category :	Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit Points :	3
Level :	Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date :	19 Jan 2026
End Date :	10 Apr 2026
Enrollment Ends :	02 Feb 2026
Exam Registration Ends :	20 Feb 2026
Exam Date :	24 Apr 2026 IST
NCrF Level	4.5 — 8.0

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1: Diving into Linguistics & Forensic Linguistics

1.1 Introduction to Linguistics and Subfields
1.2 Concept, Origin and development of Forensic Linguistics
1.3 Significance of Forensic Linguistics
1.4 Crucial role played by Forensic Linguists in investigations

Week 2:The Confluence of Language & Law

2.1 Exploring the Interplay Between Language and Law
2.2 Scrutinizing Linguistic Features Within Legal Texts and Documents
2.3 The Dimensionality and Richness of Forensic Linguistics
2.4 Analyzing Language as Vital Evidence in Legal Contexts

Week 3: Sailing Through Forensic Linguistics' Branches

3.1 Illuminating Authorship Analysis and Its Nuances
3.2 Navigating Through Forensic Phonetics
3.3 Traversing the Pathways of Forensic Stylistics
3.4 Discourse Analysis: A Journey Through Linguistic Structures
3.5 Exploring the Depths of Threat and Deception Analysis
3.6 Unveiling the Secrets of Language Profiling

Week 4: Confronting Realities & Future Trajectories

4.1 Investigating Real-World Case Studies in Forensic Linguistics
4.2 Tackling the Challenges and Obstacles Within Forensic Linguistics
4.3 Upholding Ethics and Professionalism in Forensic Linguistics
4.4 Envisioning the Future: Prospective Pathways in Forensic Linguistics

Week 5: Linguistic Evidence in Digital and Cyber Environments

5.1 Linguistic Traces in Phishing, Cyberbullying, and Hate Speech
5.2 Stylometry and Online Anonymity
5.3 Deepfakes, Synthetic Voice, and Linguistic Integrity
5.4 Case Analysis: WhatsApp Chats and Online Grooming

Week 6: Language in Indian Legal Frameworks

6.1 Section 39 – Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam: Linguistic Expert Opinion
6.2 Language in FIRs, Charge Sheets, and Courtroom Testimonies
6.3 Challenges in Legal Translation and Code Switching
6.4 Linguistic Misrepresentation in New Criminal Law Trials

Week 7: Media, Journalism, and Linguistic Bias

7.1 Linguistic Framing in Crime Reporting
7.2 Forensic Journalism and Fake News Discourse
7.3 Hate Speech and Propaganda through Language
7.4 FL in Media Fact-Checking and Public Misinformation

Week 8: Questioned Documents and Authorship Disputes

8.1 Linguistic Forgery in Threat Notes and Anonymous Letters
8.2 Authorship Disputes in Legal Writings and Wills
8.3 Stylometric Detection in Plagiarism and Ghostwriting
8.4 Language Variation in Typed vs. Handwritten Documents

Week 9: Language, Psychology, and Organised Crime Investigations

9.1 Guilt and Deception in Interrogative Discourse
9.2 Psycholinguistics in Offender Profiling and Risk Assessment
9.3 Trauma Testimonies in Organised Crime Contexts
9.4 Legal Bias and Misinterpretation in Testimonial Analysis

Week 10: Corpus Linguistics for Legal Evidence

10.1 Designing and Annotating Forensic Corpora
10.2 Keyword and Concordance Analysis in Criminal Discourse
10.3 Multilingual Corpora in Indian Legal Systems
10.4 Corpus-Based Approaches to Threat and Authorship

Week 11: Ethics, Bias, and Professional Responsibility

11.1 Ethical Boundaries in FL Practice and Testimony
11.2 Profiling Bias: Region, Caste, Gender, and Language
11.3 Data Privacy and Consent in Linguistic Evidence
11.4 Legal Responsibility and Courtroom Neutrality

Week 12: Institutionalisation and Global Vision

12.1 Global Frameworks and Policy Integration of FL
12.2 Institutionalising FL in India: Security and Judiciary
12.3 Certification Ecosystems and Legal Recognition
12.4 Tech-Convergent Futures: AI, NLP & Surveillance Ethics

Books and references

Johanson, Malcolm Coulthard and Alison. The Routledge Handbook of Forensic Linguistics. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2023.

Luchjenbriers, John Olsson and June. Forensic Lingusitcs. New Delhi: Bloomsbury Publishing India Limited , 2017.

Malcolm Coulthard, Alison Johnson and David Wright. An Introduction to Forensic Linguistics - Language in Evidence. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2017.

Olsson, John. Word Crimes - Solving Crime Through Forensic Lingusitcs. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2012.

Robertson, Colin D. Multilingual Law - A Framework for Analysis and Understanding. Oxon: Routledge, 2017.

Stratman, James F. A Forensic Linguistic Approach to Legal Disclosures. New York: Routledge, 2016.

Turell, John Gibbons and M. Teresa. Dimensions of Forensic Linguistics. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Co., 2008.

Victoria Guillen-Nieta, Dieter Stein. Language as Evidence - Doing Forensic Linguistics. Switzerland: Springer Nature, 2021.

Instructor bio

Prof. Deepak Mashru

National Forensic Sciences Universtiy (INI)

Dr. Deepak J. Mashru: A Visionary in Forensic Linguistics and Education Technology

Dr. Deepak J. Mashru serves as an Assistant Professor in English at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. With an academic journey that spans over two decades, Dr. Mashru's expertise lies in Applied and Forensic Linguistics, English Language Teaching (ELT), Education Technology, and Second Language Assessment. Holding a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and multiple degrees in Journalism, English, and Commerce, Dr. Mashru is a polymath with a diverse educational background. His professional certifications, including TESOL from the UK and advanced technology integration courses from Cambridge University, reflect his commitment to continuous learning and innovation in education. Dr. Mashru has significantly contributed to academia through his roles in teaching, administration, and curriculum development. With over 20 years of diverse professional experience, his administrative acumen is evidenced by his tenure in various capacities, including Member Secretary of the Student Welfare Committee at his current institution.

An innovator at heart, Dr. Mashru has conceptualised several technology-driven educational tools, including the English Proficiency Test platform and numerous Android applications aimed at enhancing English language skills. His patents on AI-based educational apparatuses further attest to his pioneering spirit in blending technology with language learning. Dr. Mashru's accolades include the Best Teacher Award by National Forensic Sciences University, the Pedagogical Innovation Award by Gujarat Technological University, and letters of appreciation from distinguished dignitaries, recognising his impact on English language teaching and technological integration. His scholarly contributions are vast, with over 15 research papers published in reputed and indexed journals, reflecting his thought leadership and research prowess. His literary contributions extend to authoring 12 books and co-authoring 20 book chapters, showcasing his comprehensive expertise in communication skills, management, and English language teaching. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Mashru has delivered expert lectures and chaired sessions at numerous national and international conferences, sharing his insights on the intersection of technology and education. His involvement in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and his role as a course coordinator for pioneering Forensic Linguistics courses highlight his influence in expanding access to quality education.

Dr. Mashru’s innovative teaching methodologies, such as integrating Google Voice Assistant applications and leveraging social media for ELT, have revolutionised classroom practices and enhanced student engagement. His creative strategies, like using puzzles and role-play in language learning, reflect his dynamic approach to pedagogy. In a significant milestone, Dr. Mashru is one of the directors of a prestigious research project awarded a grant of ₹2 crores by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The project, titled “Integration of Bharatiya Knowledge System Curricula in Higher Education,” aims to standardize and integrate Bharatiya Knowledge Systems (BKS) into higher education frameworks. This endeavour reflects Dr. Mashru's commitment to promoting India's rich cultural heritage through innovative curriculum design and content creation.

Dr. Deepak J. Mashru stands as a luminary in the fields of forensic linguistics and education technology. His visionary leadership, academic excellence, and unwavering dedication to fostering educational innovation make him a distinguished figure in his field.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).

Date and Time of Exams: April 24, 2026 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.

Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.

Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 8 assignments out of the total 12 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup.It will have the logos of NPTEL and IIT Madras .It will be e-verifiable at nptel.ac.in/noc.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- NPTEL team

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