Two teams of researchers undertake a retrospective analysis of their practice in researching intercultural mediation in very different cultural contexts. By considering the methodological obstacles, the resources used and retrospective reflections, they synthesise the specific features of researcher’s positioning in intercultural mediation in relation to distinctive features of the field.
Although work on the positioning of the researcher is plentiful, it is rarer to focus on positioning in research specifically on intercultural mediation. However work in this field presents specific challenges because, by definition, where mediation is involved, the relationships being studied are complex and fragile. How do we avoid involving aspects of ourselves? How do we avoid making judgments and evaluations? How do we avoid trying to find solutions? Can one do research in intercultural mediation without being an expert in mediation oneself? Or does practicing mediation present a danger of interference? Two teams of researchers offer a retrospective analysis of their practice in researching intercultural mediation in very different cultural contexts, one concerning the status of languages in Tunisia and the other the practice of reflexivity of Japanese students studying abroad. By considering the methodological obstacles, the resources used and retrospective reflections, they synthesise the specific features of researcher’s positioning in intercultural mediation in relation to the distinctive features of the field.
