Bridging Cultures: How Language Mediators Help Migrants in Southern Italy

In recent years, the Mediterranean has seen a surge in migration. This has transformed once homogeneous communities into diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes. As a result, English has become a common language, challenging our traditional views of language as a reflection of territorial unity. This paper looks at how language mediators, translators, and interpreters in Southern Italy help new migrants. It explores how English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) can either help or hinder communication between mediators and migrants. It also discusses the various strategies mediators use to make migrants' experiences more human. The paper reveals how these professionals navigate Italian immigration policies, acting as negotiators and activists. Ultimately, it considers whether these mediators form a community driven by a shared understanding of the power of their words.