ABSTRACT
This chapter accentuates the significance of language as a pillar of justice. It is a summary of the controversies arising from multilingual societies and legal processes. Whereas it is imperative that a person is tried in a language they understand, this may imply one of 400 languages in Nigeria, 112 languages in Tanzania, or 80 languages in Ethiopia. It requires extensive investment in translation and scientific development of all languages for Africa’s linguistic diversity to manifest as a gift rather than as a burden in a courtroom situation. The supposed relegation of the status of African indigenous languages and dialects among mainstream formal legal proceedings has a commensurate effect on access to justice administered by such courts. Incomprehensible justice is incomplete.
