LANGUAGE POLITICS AND THE TRANSLATION OF AFRICAN LEGAL TEXTS
Auteur.e.s
Ulrich DOUO , .
Résumé
This paper examines the complex interplay between language politics and the translation of legal texts in African multilingual contexts. It highlights how colonial legacies have entrenched Eurocentric legal languages - particularly English, French, and Portuguese - as dominant in postcolonial legal systems, often marginalizing indigenous African languages. The translation of legal texts into African languages is not merely a linguistic exercise but a politically charged act that engages questions of power, legitimacy, access to justice, and cultural identity. Drawing on case studies from select African countries, this study explores the challenges faced by translators, including legal terminology gaps, inconsistencies in standardization, and the lack of institutional support. It also evaluates how translation practices can either reinforce or resist linguistic hierarchies. Ultimately, the paper argues for a more inclusive and decolonial approach to legal translation, one that recognizes linguistic diversity as central to democratizing legal systems and promoting equitable access to justice across African societies.
Keywords: Language Politics, Legal Translation, Postcolonial Africa, Access to Justice, Linguistic Diversity