Students from the University of Baguio‘s SCJPS immersed themselves in forensic linguistics during a specialized learning development session on “The Role of Forensic Linguistics in Investigative Interviewing,” held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the FGB Hall. The session, led by the esteemed forensic linguist Mr. Kevin Jake M. Angyab, gave the students a unique opportunity to enhance their investigative toolkit and contribute to the pursuit of justice, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Forensic linguistics, a rapidly evolving field that applies linguistic analysis to legal contexts, is becoming increasingly crucial in modern investigative interviewing. By meticulously analyzing the language used by interviewees, investigators can uncover hidden meanings, detect deception, and identify critical information that may be crucial to the outcome of a case. This training equipped the students with invaluable skills applicable to various investigative scenarios, empowering them to contribute to a more just and equitable legal system. This initiative directly supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which aims to “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.” By enhancing the student’s ability to conduct thorough and fair investigations, the training fosters a greater understanding of the complexities of language within a legal context. It contributes to building strong and transparent institutions.
Mr. Angyab, a recognized expert in the field, guided the students through the core principles and techniques of forensic linguistics, emphasizing its practical applications in real-world investigative interviews. He delved into discourse analysis, statement analysis, and identifying linguistic markers of deception. The session was designed to be highly interactive and engaging, encouraging students to actively participate in discussions, analyze case studies, and practice applying their newfound knowledge. This hands-on approach allowed the interns to understand this specialized area better and gain confidence in utilizing these techniques in their future careers.
This learning development session was an enriching experience for the students, expanding their investigative toolkit and preparing them for the challenges in their respective fields. The program significantly fosters analytical thinking and language-based investigative skills, developing future professionals who can effectively promote justice and fairness within their communities. Furthermore, by integrating the principles of SDG 16 into the training, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and the pursuit of justice for all.
