Clan/geographical association heritage as a place-based approach for nurturing the sense of place for locals at a World Heritage Site

Abstract

Sense of place is important in sustaining the socio-cultural heritage of a place. It can be nurtured through a systematic place-based approach. However, the lack of a critical perspective and often under-theorized place-based education has been criticized as this results in limitations to achieve its original intention. This research aims to comprehend the concepts of place-based learning by identifying the socio-cultural elements, particularly from a clan/geographical heritage perspective, and how it might cultivate a sense of place for locals. Interviews and observations were conducted in Melaka and George Town, the World Heritage Sites of Malaysia. A total of twenty documents, including primary and secondary data, were analysed. The findings reveal five themes to be developed as a place-based approach for nurturing the sense of place of locals. Theoretically, it extends the literature of place-based learning, and the ontological appreciations of place. Practically, related stakeholders might use this as a reference to preserve their clan/geographical association heritage.