By Alexi Knock, Assistant News Editor
An author of eight books on forensic linguistics, a former FBI chief of Forensic Linguistics and a former rock star of the 60s band, Sha Na Na,teamed up recently to launch the nation’s first M.A. degree in forensic linguistics at The University. The degree program, which has already attracted students and linguistics experts from all over the world, applies the theoretical science of linguistics to analyze language involving the law. This includes interpreting contracts, laws and often analyzing the language that is connected with crimes.
“America is lagging behind England and Spain in [forensic linguistics]. I always get queries from all over the world asking ‘when are you going to have a program? We’ve read about you on the Internet and seen you on television.’ So now Hofstra has started a program,” said Dr. Robert Leonard, program director and former consultant for the FBI in cases involving the use of forensic linguistics. “I’ve already been getting queries from Saudi Arabia, from England and from the Caribbean and the announcement only went out a week ago.”
Leonard pioneered the program with the help of Dr. Roger Shuy, a professor of linguistics who is known as the foremost forensic linguist in the country. Shuy has served as a linguistics expert witness in over two-dozen cases, including impeachment trials of U.S. senators and criminal tribunal trials. The third professor involved in the degree’s creation is James Fitzgerald, the only fully credentialed profiler and forensic linguist in the history of the FBI. Fitzgerald has worked as a forensic linguist on high profile cases such as the Unabomber, Washington, D.C. Sniper and the 9/11 attacks.
Lisa Young, who has a B.A. in linguistics from Hofstra and is currently enrolled in the forensic linguistics program, described the three professors as “fabulous” and “half the reason I’m here. I highly doubt I’m the only one who would say that.”
Sharol Hofstedt, another student in the forensic linguistics program, also felt that the professors contributed to her decision to join the program. “Rob Leonard is a dynamic and knowledgeable professor who genuinely cares about this program,” said Hofstedt. “He is not only academic, but speaks from hands-on experience in this field.”
Prior to the official announcement of the new program, several students were already taking courses on forensic linguistics in hopes that it would eventually turn into a legitimate degree. “Most of my research thus far, as is that of many other forensic linguists, is aimed at proving the necessary role of the forensic linguist,” said Young. “It is intriguing, points out many flaws in the judicial system, draws on all the linguistic theories known to the field, and can even teach lawyers a ton about their work as well.”
Young believes that the study of forensic linguistics will grow at The University. “We have partnerships with other linguists and linguistic departments all over the US and in Europe,” said Young. “I am optimistic that we will soon be hosting international specialists and conferences to share and advance our collective knowledge in the field. I see potential for development at other universities because the field is growing.”
Leonard feels that students in the program will benefit because forensic linguistics is a practical and highly demanded use of the science of language. “Law enforcement are always interested because it’s another way of solving and preventing crimes,” said Leonard. “Lawyers and social justice advocates are very interested because it’s another way of scientifically and accurately analyzing evidence, which, if you don’t do it scientifically can be misused.”
Leonard gave credit to The University for being open to the new program. “I have to hand it to Hofstra because Hofstra is an entrepreneurial school and it’s open to new things,” said Leonard. “If you can make a good case for something that nobody else in the entire country had been doing and they think that it’s a good idea, Hofstra will do it.”
