Annina Van Riper
Thesis Title: Facts, Fabrication, & False Information: linguistic analysis of fake news
At present, the spread of false information is largely combatted through the use of automated, algorithmic fact checkers. However, programs that are built to identify false information are restricted in their analysis due to a glaring computational limitation: computers cannot yet interpret semantic and pragmatic components of natural language. By using a combination of corpus linguistics and appraisal analysis, this research will explore how false information is presented in the news and media outlets at large. Crucially, it will focus on expressions of stance and variation in the style of “fake news” across multiple registers. By analysing how language is used to circulate false information, this study will strengthen existing literature on the linguistic signaling of fake news. Moreover, the culmination of this project has the potential to inform both manual and automatic approaches to fake news detection.
Biography
Annina is a graduate student at the University of Birmingham where they are studying applied linguistics. Their current work focuses on how language is used to promulgate false information. More broadly, they are interested in deception detection, content analysis, and entertaining philosophical continuums of veracity. Prior to their work on false information, they have conducted research in the areas of propaganda analysis, threat assessment, and psycholinguistics.
Public Engagement
“Language as Evidence: Forensic Linguistics in Action” - February 2022, hosted by Language Professionals’ Networking Event (speaker); Language as Evidence Conference - December 2021, hosted by Hofstra University (speaker)
Applied Linguistics
University of Birmingham
2022 Cohort, 1+3
Supervisory Team
Prof Jack Grieve
Dr Matteo Fuoli