LINGUISTIC FORENSICS IN ONLINE DEFAMATION CASES: A CROSS-PLATFORM ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Umarah Shamim MPhil Linguistics, University of Sahiwal, Sahiwal, Pakistan Author
  • Saadia Khan PhD Scholar, English (Linguistics), University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Haseeb BS Scholar, Computer Science, National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66857/2814

Keywords:

Forensic Linguistics; Online Defamation; Digital Discourse; Corpus Linguistics; Critical Discourse Analysis; Social Media Language; Speech Acts; Cybercrime

Abstract

The expansion of digital communication has led to a significant rise in online defamation, making forensic
linguistics increasingly important in the investigation of cybercrime and legal disputes. This study examines
digital discourse from major social media platforms through a cross-platform analysis to identify linguistic
patterns used in defamatory communication. Using a hybrid framework that combines critical discourse
analysis, corpus linguistics, and speech act theory, the research analyzes publicly available social media
texts to uncover recurring forensic linguistic features such as evaluative language, presupposition,
modality, and assertive speech acts. Quantitative corpus-based methods are employed to identify frequency
patterns and collocations, while qualitative analysis interprets meaning, intention, and reputational harm.
The findings demonstrate that online defamation is frequently constructed through strategic linguistic
choices that present allegations as factual claims within social media language. This study contributes to
forensic linguistics by providing empirical evidence on how defamatory meanings are produced in digital
discourse, offering practical insights for legal professionals, investigators, and policymakers addressing
cybercrime in online environments.

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Published

2025-12-01

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 04 (2025): (JALT)

Section

English