Quiz Japan
Reading Mediation What is this?
How to deal with “mediation tasks“
Mediation tasks can be both oral or written.
Mediation is a technique used to express relevant aspects of a text in another language.
In exams you are asked to mediate a Spanish or English text into English. Do not translate literally!! You have to process the text.
The task is given in a specific situation, e.g. you help a tourist to understand information in Spanish, you write an article for an American newspaper using a Spanish source, and so on.
Step 1:
Read the task carefully to find out what information your addressee needs.
Step 2:
Read the text given to get its meaning and intention.
Step 3:
Highlight or underline keywords. Don’t panic if the text is long and /or
complex – Concentrate on the points relevant to the addressee and leave out the rest.
Step 4:
Take notes in English to process the relevant passages from the Spanish text.
Use your own words. Sometimes it is useful to simplify or paraphrase important
words or phrases.
Step 5:
Structure your notes according to the task – if necessary, rearrange the structure
of the original text.
Step 6:
If there are passages in the text which need explanation to be clarified, add
further information.
Don’t forget to explain concepts that are typical in one culture but not in the
other.
Step 7: Deliver your message (either in speech or in writing depending on the task) summarising your notes. Adapt your language (style, register) to the task and addressee.
Last week we dealt with a cultural issue in class, let me summarize the key info for you.
Hikikomori, a phenomenon in Japan, describes people, often young men, who withdraw entirely from society, confining themselves to their rooms for months or even years. In other words, these individuals retreat due to various reasons like social pressure, mental health issues, or failure to meet academic or professional expectations. The text states that this phenomenon is widespread, with an estimated 1.5 million cases in Japan alone, significantly impacting families and society. Additionally, a unique support service has emerged: "rental sisters," or professionals who build trust with Hikikomori sufferers, encouraging gradual reintegration into society. These rental sisters often start by communicating via letters or social media, progressing to in-person meetings once trust is established. Essentially, they play a pivotal role in helping Hikikomori individuals reconnect with the world, offering a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach to combat extreme social withdrawal.
