M.ODR. MICHAEL
O’LAUGHLIN
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LANGUAGE · CULTURE · LAW(978) 371-1278CARLISLE, MASSACHUSETTS
FORENSIC LINGUISTICS & CULTURAL CONTEXTRequest an inquiry ↗

HOW THE WORK BEGINS

Questions before
conclusions.

The examples below are illustrative analytical questions, not descriptions of client matters or claims about any particular case outcome.

QUESTION / 01

Was the warning understood?

Comprehension is not always the same as familiarity with a few common English words. Vocabulary, pace, interpretation and reading ability may matter.

QUESTION / 02

What does the phrase mean?

Slang and regional expressions can have multiple meanings. Linguistic context should be examined before choosing a translation.

QUESTION / 03

Is the transcript faithful?

Speaker overlap, code-switching, colloquial speech and recording quality can all influence a reliable transcript.

QUESTION / 04

How did culture shape the exchange?

Indirect speech, conversational norms and expectations of authority may change how a response should be interpreted.

Start with the material and the question.

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Dr. Michael O’Laughlin · Expert witness for language and cultural issues
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