Presentation Schedule
Mediation Found in Intercultural Communication Within Multicultural Classes (102996)
Session Chair: Andreea Cervatiuc
Sunday, 4 January 2026 13:30
Session: Session 3 (Parallel)
Room: Hawaii Convention Center: Room 303A
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
This study explores the concept of mediation as clearly formulated in the CEFR (Common European Reference for Languages) Companion Volume (2018). The CEFR had a significant impact on language education over the past few decades. One significant difference between the initial CEFR (2001) and the more recent revised versions is the increased focus on non-linguistic competence, such as mediation. This means that successful communication cannot be achieved through linguistic skills alone. The contribution of non-linguistic skills to communication is a topic warrants further exploration. In addition to exploring mediation, this study attempts to search the difference in how mediation is managed by L1 Japanese speakers and L2 international students. An empirical study was conducted in multicultural classes at a state university in Japan. These classes involved Japanese local students and international exchange students working together on PBL-style group projects. The instruction language was Japanese. The main sources of qualitative analysis were students’ diaries and group interviews conducted after the course had finishes. Approximately 30 students’ data were examined. Consequently, there were no significant differences in the patterns of L1 and L2 mediation acts. However, mediation skills can be taught more consciously. There were also many instances of L1 Japanese students considering the linguistic skills of L2 international students. This is similar to accommodation strategies in lingua franca communication, with some overlap. As they both focus on non-linguistic aspects of communication, it can be inferred that these aspects should also be included in language education.
Authors:
Etsuko Yamada, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Etsuko Yamada is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Hokkaido University in Japan
See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule
Conference Comments & Feedback
Place a comment using your LinkedIn profileShare this Presentation
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress