Public Sector Interpreting and Intercultural Mediation in EducationalSettings. An Exploratory Study on Interpreting Needs in the City of Córdoba (Spain)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show the public sector interpreting and intercultural mediation panorama in educational-settings in Córdoba. We provide the theoretical background, then the role of interpreters and intercultural mediators in educational-settings is analyzed, as well as the regulations in force. Our exploratory study stems from the existence of a professional gap and an important lack of trained experts working within this field. An exploratory research is carried out to identify the linguistic needs in educational-settings and problems that can arise. The research was conducted through a questionnaire, followed by interviews with headmasters and other staff members of eight schools, all located in the proximities of the area of Ciudad Jardín, the highest recipient of immigration. The results show that there are no linguistic professionals in the area, leaving teachers exposed to both communicative, cultural and linguistic difficulties when communicating with immigrant families.