By Chisomo Phiri
A senior lecturer in the department of Language, Cultural and Creative Studies at Mzuzu University (MZUNI), Dr.Wellman Kondowe,has released a book that provides practical research insights into ensuring African legal systems are linguistically inclusive and non-discriminatory.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Dr.Kondowe said the book titled ‘Discrimination and Access to Justice in Africa: Language, Vulnerability, and Social Inclusion in Southern and Eastern Africa’ focuses on vulnerable witnesses, making it a significant contribution to ongoing research in forensic linguistics.
He said the publication exposes legal and linguistic inequalities within various legal systems while offering practical solutions.
“It is a must-read for forensic and legal linguists, students, legal practitioners, and judicial officers interested in language and the law.
“The book brings together case studies from Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia, presenting practical insights from academics, legal professionals, and social scientists,” said Dr.Kondowe.
He explained that the book is divided into five thematic parts, addressing communication and linguistic challenges faced by children in the legal system, witnesses with physical challenges, refugees, asylum seekers, and unrepresented litigants, among others.
Dr.Kondowe further described his publication as a timely contribution to the growth of the discipline, highlighting the importance of equal access to the law by all groups of the population.
Added Dr.Kondowe:”The book argues that language plays a key role in the delivery of justice and that the state has a responsibility to put in place accommodations aimed at reducing linguistic vulnerability.”
He said the publication will be of interest to academics, researchers, and policymakers working in law and language, human rights law, criminology, linguistics, and African studies.
