Cross-Cultural Perceptions of Deception: Linguistic Features Analysis

This dissertation proposal delves into the intricate relationship between language and deception, focusing on cross-cultural perspectives. It aims to analyze the linguistic features of deceptive communication, comparing the verbal cues used by native English speakers (British) and non-native English speakers (Nigerians) to identify potential differences in lie detection. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including face-to-face interviews and online surveys, to gather data on participants' use of language when being deceptive. The research seeks to address the universality of linguistic features of deception and the potential for misidentification of liars in cross-cultural contexts, with a focus on the challenges faced by law enforcement and analysts. The proposal outlines the research design, including participant selection, stimuli, data analysis methods, and expected outcomes, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances in the detection of deception and its implications for forensic linguistics and law enforcement practices.