Interprete e mediatore: evoluzione delle definizioni

This paper examines how the use of the term ‘interpreter/interprete’ – indicating the person who helps establishing communication between individuals facing linguistic barriers – has, in Italy, been integrated by the use of the word mediator/mediatore to refer to the person establishing communication in specific settings, manly in public service. The first reference to ‘mediators and mother tongue experts’ (mediatori ed esperti di madre lingua) can be found in a document of the Italian Education Ministry in 1990. The document stressed their importance to facilitate communication between schools and immigrant families. After a historical overview of the role of the interpreter, the introduction of the definitions ‘language mediator/mediatore linguistico’, ‘cultural mediator/mediatore culturale’ and ‘intercultural mediator/mediatore interculturale’ is analysed with special reference to the Italian academic system.