VOICES OF HERITAGE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN PRESERVING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL TRADITIONS

ABSTRACTThis paper explores community involvement in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and its significance on the perception, experience and contribution of the community members towards the maintenance of a local tradition. It seeks to determine how cultural identity, intergenerational transmission of knowledge, modernization and institutional support interrelate to determine the continuity of heritage. A qualitative researcher was used where a qualitative research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 participants who comprised of community leaders, artisans, culture officers, and the representatives of the youth in cultural villages and heritage organizations. The information was gathered with the help of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation and analyzed with the help of thematic analysis to determine main patterns and thoughts with the help of Nvivo software. The paper revealed five major themes, including cultural identity and belonging, intergenerational transmission, modernization and adaptation, institutional support, and preservation challenges. Findings show that community pride, mentoring, storytelling, apprenticeship and collective interaction with institutions are key to the continuity of ICH. There are new opportunities as well as threats brought by modern forces including technology and tourism and the economic constraints and disengagement of the youth have continued to pose a challenge. The study is valuable to the field of heritage research as it focuses on the first-person experience and voice of community members, with the emphasis on adaptive strategies and dynamic ICH. The results have practical implication on policy makers, teachers, and heritage organizations, focusing on participatory models that enable communities and make intangible cultural practices in modern settings sustainable.