Linguistic Challenges of Courtroom Interpretation in Ghana

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey on the linguistic challenges of courtroom interpretation in Ghana. It is part of a larger study on the challenges of courtroom interpreters. Specifically, the paper discusses the everyday linguistic challenges faced by courtroom interpreters, and the coping mechanisms deployed. Additionally, the paper makes proposals on ways that these challenges encountered by courtroom interpreters can be mitigated. In terms of findings, the paper shows that the main linguistic challenges include insufficient bilingual skills, terminological issues relating to legal jargon (legal terminology), terminology in specialized areas such as medical science, finance, economics, etc., measurement and quantities terms (e.g., money, fines, land, time, etc.), descriptive terms like color, height, etc., kinship terminology as well as speakers’ uses idiomatic expressions you are not familiar with. The paper notes that interpreters often use creative strategies like codemixing, omission of details, approximating color, and kinship terms, and seeking clarification through intervention to overcome these challenges. By way of recommendation, we propose the creation of glossaries in indigenous languages, collaboration with communities to identify and develop appropriate kinship terminology, the development of context-specific terminology, simplification of language, pre-session preparation, and continuous training and professional development.