UNESCO and the definition of intangible cultural heritage – proposing some conceptual underpinnings

Abstract UNESCO’s definition of intangible cultural heritage has provided a widely recognized framework for the identification and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. It has legitimized the cultural practices of diverse communities, ensuring they are valued and protected. Despite its influence, UNESCO’s definition of intangible cultural heritage has faced academic criticism for several reasons, including being too broad, vague and even unscientific. The authors of this article believe that UNESCO’s definition still merits positive academic attention. Hence, the article proposes some conceptual underpinnings for UNESCO’s definition. Central to the proposal is a look at intangible cultural heritage which tries to enrich the definition by emphasizing the dynamic, interpretative, and purpose-driven nature of intangible cultural heritage. It highlights the continuous interaction between intangible and tangible elements, the inherent semiotic/communicative potential of intangible cultural heritage, and the diversity within intangible cultural heritage communities/groups. The proposal is based on concepts stemming from Peirce’s metaphysics and semiotics.