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. 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.