The Place of Mediation in Language Competence Certification – The Non-Formal Context of Language Learning and Teaching (Based on the Greek KPG Exam)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to reflect on the role of mediation activities in the process of certifying language-user competence in the context of the non-formal process of certifying language proficiency. First, the definitions of the mediation process and that of the mediator in relation to different research areas are analysed. Then, the role of mediation in the process of foreign language education is considered, with particular reference to the statements contained in the supplementary volume to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, whose authors operationalise the concept of mediation in the context of foreign language learning and teaching. The paper then analyses the mediation tasks included in a certification exam designed for adults, namely the Greek Kratiko Pistopiitiko Glosomathias exam. The analysis of these tasks aims to answer the question as to what extent and with which techniques mediation skills can be tested.