Communication with Aboriginal Speakers of English in the Legal Process

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of sociolinguistic issues concerning communication in the legal process between non-Aboriginal people using General Australian English and Aboriginal people using other varieties of English. It draws on three types of evidence: published research, specific cases, and communication with Aboriginal people, lawyers, judges and magistrates. Specific cases exemplify distinctive Aboriginal features of English in grammar, accent, vocabulary, pragmatics, discourse structure and cultural presuppositions. The paper also considers some of the ways in which legal professionals are engaging with intercultural communication issues raised by sociolinguists. Despite some promising recent developments, a recent case highlights implications for other legal decision-makers, namely jurors.