Negotiating the Terminological Borders of ‘Language Mediation’ in English and Italian. A Discussion on the Repercussions of Terminology on the Practice, Self-perception and Role of Language Mediators in Italy

Abstract

This paper explores the confusion regarding the use of the terms ‘language mediation’ and ‘cultural mediation’ in Italy by looking at some of the key factors that define this activity, and by comparing it to the way in which the term itself and the reference to both profession and academic discipline is used differently in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. The paper further argues that the development of ‘language- and cultural mediation’ as a profession in Italy has an entirely separate trajectory from the development of language mediation as an academic discipline, the latter being far more recent and largely tied to university policies. The paper suggests that the very terms cultural mediation and language mediation suggest that inherent in any meeting of cultures and/or languages lies a state of conflict and a need for redress. We argue however that this assumption is a result of poor role definition that can be overcome by creating more clarity in the tasks and mandates ascribed to language and/or cultural mediators.