Wjetša widźomnosć Serbow?
Greater Visibility for the Sorbs?

The Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Sorbs: Reflections, Challenges and Perspectives

Summary/Abstract: This article is devoted to the application process used by the Sorbs concerning the recog­nition of their customs and festivals in the course of the year as intangible examples of their cultural heritage in 2013/14 to be included on the federal list of UNESCO in Germany. Starting from fundamental theoretical considerations on cultural heritage and the general significance of intangible cultural heritage, above all with regard to the UNESCO, the Sorbian application process is presented in detail. The article reflects on the short- and long-term effects, seen sometime after the event, as well as on reactions in the media, and responses on the level of cultural policy. A consideration of the risks, challenges and perspectives shows that the application has up until now fulfilled the expectations of the actors involved. Long-term consequences on cultural practice, however, require further critical scientific monitoring.

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