Model of Heritage Interpretation Adapted to Public Co-participation

Abstract

Dealing with interpretation, we first revisited the theoretical models of hermeneutics (hermeneutical cycle), semantics (triangle) and information sciences, as well as the model of heritage interpretation pedagogy. To design a more appropriate heritage interpretation model that meets the requirements of full public participation, we defined the key concepts (on top of heritage interpretation itself): memory, knowledge and values. The arguments for such a choice have been expounded from three viewpoints: semantics (defining their current meaning and etymology of terms), neuroscience and heritage studies (in Slovenia and some other countries, we use the term ‘heritology’ – denoting the interdisciplinary field of heritage studies). The paper concludes by outlining the heritage interpretation model, graphically presented in two diagrams: the structural one in the form of a three-circle Venn diagram with the corresponding matrix and the process diagram following the adaptive management pattern. The discussion presents critical issues of the model and points out some advantages of its practical implementation.