Linguistic and Cultural Mediation in Healthcare Settings - The case of 'La Marca Trevigiana': considerations, challenges and new paradigms for interpreter-mediated encounters.

Abstract

The present study is aimed at investigating the phenomenon of Linguistic and Cultural Mediation both from a theoretical and pragmatic point of view. By drawing upon the most significant literature on the field, the figure of the mediator is outlined considering language and culture and its indissoluble binomial. Such an analysis touches upon the great expertise and specific skills that mediators must acquire through ad hoc studies in order to provide an impeccable professional service. The focus shifts then upon how Linguistic and Cultural Mediation is perceived in Italy nowadays, featuring some interesting references to the present Italian legislation. Along with that, the readership is gradually invited to explore a specific branch of LCM, that is to say healthcare-related mediation assignments. As for the latter, the study provides an in-depth analysis on the mediation-based dynamics occurring within the local area, known as Marca Trevigiana. The overview is enriched through the narration of my personal experience as linguistic and cultural mediator in different healthcare settings across the Marca Trevigiana. Such a storytelling is followed by an extensive empirical survey, collecting a wide range of data on the professional life of many and different mediators. This, in turn, leads to considering interesting nuances of real-life mediation assignments: positive components but also thorny issues that may arise and consequently affect mediators’ performances. Eventually, some last observations are made regarding the deontological standards of practice that should be enforced in order to guarantee adequate working conditions to all mediators.