Nina Mollema

Developing Legal Terminology in African Languages as Aid to the Court Interpreter: A South African Perspective*

The need for unambiguous communication in the theoretical and applied fields of human activity, such as the legal profession, is constantly increasing. Terminologists and subject specialists are focused on the provision of unambiguous source- and target-language terms for well-defined concepts. In order to achieve this aim, it is necessary to determine the precise mean- ings of terms which enable users to comprehend and use them in a universally accepted manner. Legal language is one of the most difficult languages for special purposes since only legal experts versed in the special vocabulary can communicate successfully — laypeople tend to struggle com- prehending the language of law, sometimes called legalese. This study deals with legal language, the bridging of communication problems in a legal setting by especially court interpreters, and difficulties these legal linguists may experience in this endeavour. Some word-forming principles are discussed and examples are given of typical multilingual coinages in the legal profession. Vari- ous matters relating to terminology usage in a multilingual society receive attention. Some of the principles of the standardisation, harmonisation and the internationalisation of the terminology of the legal profession are discussed. The research also addresses the work of the Centre for Legal Terminology in African Languages (CLTAL) and of other relevant terminology projects, e.g. that of the Centre for Political and Related Terminology in Southern Africa (CEPTSA).

C.T. Msimang's Buzani kuMkabayi: aspects of a psychoanalytical exploration

Psychoanalytic theories of literature proceed from the assumption that the discipline of psychoanalysis can be elucidatory and informative in the study of literature—that psychoanalysis can provide the key to an informed interpretation of literary texts. Psychoanalysis is however a concept rarely, if ever used, in African literary theory. The aim of this study is to critically examine the above situation in an attempt to show the use and value of psychoanalytical theory for African languages. Certain aspects of selected psychoanalytical models will also be paraphrased in order to apply this information to C.T. Msimangs Zulu novel, Buzani kuMkabayi.