Discourse of intercultural mediation: a conceptual research model

Abstract

This paper focuses on conceptual modeling of intercultural mediation discourse using discourse theory and communicative-pragmatic analysis of a mediative interaction. The author considers intercultural mediation to be an institutional triadic discourse, singling out the main communicative levels of its implementation: international diplomatic, corporate in a transnational cooperation, and official interpersonal in intercultural interaction. Empirical material includes data from media sources, protocols and recordings of mediation sessions, and interviews by the author. The article provides a brief overview of foreign and Russian publications about the development of the modern concept of mediation as an interdisciplinary issue in the context of different humanitarian fields. The author suggests possible ways for studying and describing the moderating function of the mediator as the main subject of conflict management between representatives of different lingua-cultures, and the formats of discursive behavior of mediation participants. Particular attention is paid to the study of the mediator`s interactive techniques, contributing to constructive mediation in intercultural discourse. The main techniques potentially implemented by the mediator are: synchronization of references between conflicting parties; equalization of semantic and pragmatic equivalence in intercultural complicated communication; application of a priority principle in negotiation interaction; and a pragmatic persuasive technique of the mediator as a main behavioral pattern in the mediation process. The proposed conceptual model of the intercultural mediation discourse expands the methodology for research and practical applicability in situations of mediative interaction.