Intangible cultural heritage

Definition

Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, and social practices that are passed down through generations. Unlike tangible heritage, which includes physical artifacts and monuments, intangible heritage emphasizes the importance of cultural expressions in fostering identity and community cohesion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intangible cultural heritage is recognized by UNESCO and is protected under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2. It plays a vital role in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of globalization, helping communities to preserve their unique identities.
3. Examples of intangible cultural heritage include traditional music, dance forms, festivals, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions.
4. Communities actively participate in safeguarding their intangible heritage through practices such as teaching and performance, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
5. Challenges to intangible cultural heritage include urbanization, loss of language, and cultural homogenization due to global influences.

Review Questions

• How does intangible cultural heritage differ from tangible cultural heritage in terms of significance to communities?
  • Intangible cultural heritage differs from tangible heritage primarily in its focus on practices and expressions rather than physical objects. While tangible heritage includes monuments and artifacts that represent a culture's history, intangible heritage embodies living traditions that foster community identity and continuity. This connection to identity is crucial for social cohesion, as these practices provide meaning and context for community members in their daily lives.
• Discuss the role of UNESCO in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and its impact on global awareness.
  • UNESCO plays a pivotal role in preserving intangible cultural heritage through its conventions and programs aimed at safeguarding cultural expressions worldwide. By recognizing important practices and skills as part of global heritage, UNESCO raises awareness about the need for protection and promotion of diverse cultural traditions. This not only encourages countries to take action to preserve their own intangible heritages but also fosters respect and appreciation among different cultures on a global scale.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by communities in safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage in the modern world.
  • Communities face numerous challenges in safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage today, including rapid urbanization that disrupts traditional practices, globalization that promotes a homogenized culture, and the decline of native languages which are often key to these traditions. The loss of context for these cultural expressions can lead to their disappearance as younger generations may become disconnected from their roots. To address these issues effectively, communities must actively engage in revitalization efforts while also adapting their practices to modern contexts without losing their essence.

Related terms

Cultural Traditions: The customs and practices that are passed down through generations within a community, often forming a key part of its identity.

UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which recognizes and promotes the preservation of intangible cultural heritage around the world.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, often shared orally and embodying the cultural identity of a community.