Reforming the Provision of Language Services During Civil Proceedings In Ethiopia: Lessons from Comparative Experiences

Abstract

This study assesses the experiences of offering language services and accommodating language diversity during civil proceedings in the United States, India, and South Africa as a lesson for Ethiopia. To explore the experiences of the United States, India, and South Africa, the author used a comparative socio-legal research approach that includes extensive document reviews as well as legal and case analyses. In the case of Ethiopia, the study additionally undertakes semi-structured interviews with court staff and litigants of the selected Federal Courts, Oromia Regional State Courts, and Central Ethiopia Regional State Courts. The author also conducted civil proceeding court observations to enrich the study. The article concludes that Ethiopia’s civil justice system should learn from comparative experiences in terms of developing comprehensive legal and normative frameworks that govern the provision of quality court interpretation, court file translations, and sign language interpreters. Effective communication and defending of one’s own case in court is an essential element for accessing justice. The state is responsible for regulating and providing appropriate facilities or mechanisms to address the language barriers encountered by court litigants.