Alan Murdoch - Researcher

Email: alan.murdoch@mandela.ac.za

 

Academic background and areas of specialisation

BSocSc (UCT), BA(Hons) (NMMU), MA (Nelson Mandela University)

Primary research interests and areas of expertise within digital humanities

Stylometry, forensic linguistics and morphology on digital platforms.

Background overview, research, and role within the hub

With degrees in linguistics, statistics and economics, I am interested in the intersection between pure linguistics (specifically syntax and morphology) and scientific disciplines like statistics and computer programming. My interest in stylometry lies in its ability to use statistical analysis to determine authorship – particularly in the digital sphere of social media. (This is particularly important in a time of fake news and disinformation campaigns.) My current research looks at morphology in digital spheres, including morphological behaviour on digital platforms.