Towards Methodological and Theoretical Synergies between Forensic Phonetics and Third Wave Sociophonetics

Abstract

This article presents an overview of third wave sociophonetics and forensic phonetics, aiming to point out areas of methodological and conceptual crossover, as well as discussing the prospects for applying third wave sociophonetic methods and concepts to forensic-based research and vice versa. By finding links between previous studies in the two disciplines, suggestions for collaboration are discussed, alongside relevant concerns surrounding the ethical implications of such work. Themes are also raised regarding the difference between forensic phonetic research and forensic casework, while emerging trends in both fields are presented in relation to the potential for collaboration and prospective evolution. The discussion also considers points of caution in relation to the use of sociophonetic data in forensic phonetic research. This work opens a conversation for third wave approaches in sociophonetics to be applied in forensic research and casework, while also presenting ways to bridge the gap between sociophonetic and forensic research.