ABSTRACT
This paper aims at outlining the pivotal role played by linguistic and cultural mediators as facilitators of the relationship and communication between migrants just received, the sociocultural context and the services they will exploit, such as healthcare services, social services, working services and educational services. Mediators acts on different levels, that is illustrative and informative (reception and guidance of migrants), linguistic and communicative (translation of verbal and non-verbal messages), cultural and intercultural (facilitating communication) and psychological-relational (analysis of implicit and explicit needs, prevention and management of conflicts) (Luatti 2011). Some practical insights will be offered to better implement good practices in improving linguistic and cultural mediation programmes for migrants in Europe.
