ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews metaphors of intercultural mediation with particular reference to what has been referred to as the ‘bridge metaphor’ in intercultural mediation. The chapter offers a critical perspective on the use of conceptual metaphors (particularly ‘bridging’) for different scenarios of intercultural mediation, including conflict resolution and reconciliation, healthcare interpreting and the ‘mediation’ component of intercultural communicative competence, as presented in the revised Common European Framework (North, Goodier, and Piccardo 2018). This chapter reviews the basis of the ‘bridge’ conceptual metaphor and its applications to areas such as mediation. The ‘bridge’ metaphor frames the communicative scenario as consisting of two opposing sides, separated by an issue or conflict. The mediator takes up the space between the opposing sides and acts as a bridge so that communication can ‘travel’ to and from those in conflict. This chapter critiques the implications of this metaphor and draws on dialogic strategies as an alternative to essentializing and universalizing discourses of mediation.
