ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the interplay of storytelling, culture, and identity in a court-based mediation program. Taking an intercultural pragmatics view, the way disputing parties ascribe cultural categories on themselves and opposing parties is explored by taking an interculturality approach. The interculturality perspective views these categorical ascriptions as an interactional resource available to participants during the negotiation. Taking a small culture approach, the cultural identities discussed include those based on gender, educational role, and team sport role. The usually antonymous cultural identities proffered by disputing parties are not questioned or challenged by the mediator, perhaps creating a barrier to settlement.
