ABSTRACT
The concepts of facilitation and animation have been central in discussions of development, especially human resource development. In our view, these concepts are frequently inept in their implicit, liberal value assumption that through their practice and application something good always emerges from the depths of the people. With the recognition that development is not value free, mediation may become a more powerful practical and theoretical concept. In what has been called the cognitive revolution in human sciences, Chomsky (1964) pointed out the mediated nature of language acquisition in infants. At a very early age the child acquires the capacity or skill in the “rule-governed creativity” of language in action. This is learned through an exposure to speaking practices mediated by mature others of the culture. Not only language, but also beliefs, values, knowledge, skills, traditions—in other words, culture as a whole—is communicated from the old to the young in this guided way. Mediation is the means by which societies ensure their survival. Also it is the means by which desired change takes place. Mediation is what caregivers do in all cultures. What matters for the child is its quality.
