Overview
Shreyasi 'Cece' Desai got her BSc in Forensic Biology and Psychology at Abertay Univeristy, where she first heard a lecturer say "nobody was going to believe her if she talked like that". This led her to question how words can influence what a listener thinks of their speaker even if it is universally known to be a negative context. Over the next several years, she completed her bachelor's thesis and doctoral thesis on "The impact of hyperbole on the perception of testimonies from victims of sexual crime".聽
Her research interests lie at the intersection of psycholinguistics and forensic psychology; specifically in forensic pragmatics. She is interested in understanding how figurative language in particular can be used in forensic contexts such as in primary statements, and court testimonies and how it ultimately impacts the perception of the speaker. Her work has primarily concentrated on hyperbole and its place as a tool for emotional expression among victims of sexual crime.聽
Her current research focuses on nonfatal strangulation in domestic and sexual violence and the legal implementation of the new NFS law.聽
Additional Contact Information
Email: c.desai@bangor.ac.uk
Qualifications
- PhD: Psychology
University of Nottingham, 2023 - BSc: Forensic Biology and Psychology
Abertay University, 2018
Publications
2024
- Published
Desai, S. & Filik, R., Jul 2024, In: Psychology, Crime and Law.. 30, 5, p. 387-403
Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review - E-pub ahead of print
Desai, S., Bailey, K. & Filik, R., 10 Oct 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Cognition and Emotion. p. 1-8 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
2021
- Published
Desai, S., Mclean, J., Lawrence, C. & Filik, R., Mar 2021, In: Journal of Pragmatics. 174, p. 143-156
Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
Activities
2025
This webinar explores how language influences the perception of victims in cases of sexual crime. Drawing from forensic psychology and psycholinguistics, we examine societal expectations of "ideal" victim behaviour and the caveats of using figurative language in victim testimony. Through research findings, we'll discuss how language choices can affect victim credibility, emotionality, and empathy in professional and lay audiences. By understanding these dynamics, attendees will gain insights into the intersection of linguistics and justice, highlighting the challenges victims face when narrating their trauma.
19 Feb 2025
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Speaker)