Separate a verbatim quotation from an explanation
If the exact wording has been preserved, provide it and identify the source. Keep your own explanations separate. Do not automatically correct grammar, punctuation or word order: these elements may contribute to the statement's meaning. It is particularly important not to replace pronouns with the presumed names of addressees.
Provide the message sequence
A phrase's meaning may depend on the preceding remark, quotation of another person's words or an answer to a question. It is therefore useful to preserve neighbouring messages and speaker identifiers. An omitted part of the correspondence must be shown as an omission, rather than presenting the remaining passages as a continuous dialogue.
Frame a question about linguistic features
A linguist can examine the content, ways of expressing evaluation, intended recipients and semantic relationships in the material supplied. The question of which offence was committed is a different matter. A predetermined everyday label for a statement must not replace its analysis.
What to prepare
- The source text or recording containing the statement.
- Neighbouring remarks and information about the boundaries of the passage.
- Separate identification of quotations and your own explanations.
- The source, date obtained and known alterations to the copy.
- A list of linguistic questions without legal classification.
What to bear in mind
If the original wording has not been preserved, the scope for examination may be significantly limited. Linguistic features appearing only in a retelling cannot be attributed to the original speaker.
Outcome of preliminary preparation
Preparation makes it possible to define the exact object of analysis and avoid a report that effectively examines a party's explanation instead of the disputed statement.
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