Crucial Points in the Transmission and Learning of Intangible Heritage

Abstract

The intangible heritage is a central element of the cultural heritage of humanity. The Masterpieces and The Second Proclamation of the Oral and Intangible Heritage as well as the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cambodia document this. It is less obvious what the specific characteristics of intangible heritage are and what their role in a globalizing world that encourages cultural diversity is. This article develops six arguments to elaborate on the specific characteristics of intangible cultural heritage. These arguments refer to the human body, the performative character of rituals and social practices, mimesis and mimetic learning, otherness and alterity, the need for intercultural and transcultural education, and to anthropology, in the sense of philosophical, historical and cultural anthropology.