Language Analysis - Age Assessment
Language Analysis for the Determination of Origin
Language analysis plays a
critical role in
immigration and intelligence agencies' decision-making processes. Our skilled linguists
conduct thorough
Language Analysis for the Determination of Origin (LADO) in complex cases concerning
immigration or security
matters.
Language analysis unveils its intricate layers as it delves into recorded speech. This
process involves
astute linguists and native-speaking analysts who dissect the speaker's vocal nuances
through a forensic
linguistic lens. The aim is to identify connections between speech patterns within the
recording and distinct
language/dialect groups and geographic locations.
In the realm of linguistic investigation, linguistic indication emerges as a more
streamlined approach.
Here, the meticulous documentation and in-depth analysis of linguistic traits take a back
seat. Instead, the
focus lies in swiftly gauging the speaker's alignment with a specific language/dialect group
and geographical
backdrop.
Our Expertise goes beyond the intricacies described; our proficiency encompasses a wider
spectrum of
linguistic expertise:
Dialectal Nuances: Our linguists navigate the intricate web of dialectal
variances, identifying
subtle shifts that offer invaluable insights into speech origins.
Sociolinguistic Insight: We leverage sociolinguistic knowledge to decode the
social and cultural
underpinnings that inform speech patterns, providing a deeper layer of contextual
understanding.
Phonetic Analysis: Our experts dive into phonetic intricacies, unravelling
pronunciation patterns
that bear witness to an individual's linguistic background.
Geographic Profiling: Our analysis extends beyond language to geography,
meticulously pinpointing
geographic markers that play a pivotal role in speech characteristics.
Cross-Cultural Sensitivity: We blend our linguistic expertise with cross-cultural
awareness,
ensuring accurate analyses that respect the nuances of diverse communities.
Sociolinguistic Assessment to Estimate the Age of an Individual: We offer insights into the relation between age and language. Our analysts conduct age assessment and produce reports by classifying an individual into an age category, then by life stages, and finally estimating their age. This process involves gathering various data points and using analytical methods. We currenlty provide our sociolinguistic assessment services for individuals who speak Arabic (all dialects), Dari, Farsi, Kurdish (all dialects), Pashto and Turkish.
LADO is a highly complex interdisciplinary field; therefore, our linguists ensure that the reports produced are valid, reliable, effective and efficient. Our linguists serve as LADO analysts for governments; we also provide counter-evidence at appeals. Lawyers can also rely on us to provide counter-analysis, as well as expert witnesses to evaluate or challenge evidence.
Who Can Benefit?
• Legal Professionals
• Businesses and Market Researchers
• Government Agencies
• Academics and Researchers
Why SILA Linguists
Unlike other firms whose
analysts
concluding their reports based on the understanding of what an interpreter has provided them
with, our language analysts are native speakers. In the past there have been alarming
reports
of how one analyst’s report completely contradicts another analyst’s conclusion on assessing
the same language/dialect of an individual. This has had legal consequences, breaching
impartiality and the essence of the profession and academic world, as well as causing sever
damage to both public, private sectors, and impacting individuals’ lives.
Our forensic phonetics analysis approach follows the methodological and ethical
principles established by the IAFPA. All language analysts at SILA Linguists have an up-to-date knowledge of the respective regions of origin and their culture, not just from a theoretical point of view but more importantly from having acquired their knowledge on the spot.
We currently provide our Language Analysis service in the following languages:
• Albanian
• Amharic
• Arabic (all countries and regions)
• Azeri (Azerbaijan and other regions)
• Belarusian
• Dari
• Farsi
• Kurdish (all regions)
• Pashto
• Russian
• Somali
• Swahili (including Bajuni)
• Tajik
• Tigrinya
• Turkish
• Ukrainian
