COIMBATORE: Bharathiar University’s School of Distance Education has introduced two new diploma courses under its department of linguistics. It will offer one-year diploma programmes in forensic linguistics and in clinical linguistics starting this academic year. This move comes in response to frequent demands from students and professionals looking for specialised skills.The diploma in forensic linguistics is designed to bridge the gap between language analysis and legal investigations. It will offer a vast scope in crime detection, law enforcement and judicial processes.The department plans to collaborate with the Tamil Nadu police department, offering expert assistance in crime investigation, especially linked to cybercrimes and linguistics-related matters.Linguistics head of the department (in-charge) Dr S Sundarabalu said, “For instance, there is a suicide note at the crime scene; a linguist will be able to scrutinise the details available. A linguist will be able to prove the authenticity based on the handwriting, words used, the context, and prove it with evidence and not predictions. Forensic linguistics as a course has been there for many years in foreign countries. But in India, it is an emerging trend. Foreign students, mostly from South Asian countries including Malaysia and Sri Lanka, have repeatedly inquired about having this as an exclusive course. Based on the admission demand, it might be converted into a postgraduate programme in the coming years.”Sundarabalu noted that the course would cover modern tools for crime detection, where students would learn how to analyse ransom notes, threat letters, social media posts, and voice recordings. “By analysing grammar, vocabulary, and dialects, forensic linguists can help identify anonymous authors or verify the authenticity of confessions. This course is expected to be highly beneficial for police personnel, legal experts, private investigators and cybercrime analysts who deal with text- and voice-based evidence daily. The curriculum expert panel is from various cities, including Chennai, Bangalore, Varanasi and Kochi. Some experts are presently in service, and a few have retired from defence.”Sundarabalu said the diploma in clinical linguistics would focus on the intersection of language and healthcare. This programme would study various medical conditions through language. It is designed to help people working in speech-language pathology and rehabilitative sciences.
