Interactional dynamics of judicial communication in Kinshasa

Abstract

The study falls within the perspective of interactional linguistics or interactional sociolinguistics. It analyzes the verbal and non-verbal interactions observed in the prosecutor’s offices, courts and tribunals of Kinshasa. The interactional dynamics of judicial communication result from contact between languages and people who intervene in legal proceedings. This communication is ritual or ritualized to the extent that the interactants use verbal expression, rites, symbols and significant gestures.