Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding: A Youth-led Community of Practice in Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic
This paper illustrates how youth are motivated to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in a community of practice (CoP). The study took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic. The study first explores the perceived threats to safeguarding local ICH as seen by youth members. Subsequently, it presents a case study of how the youth members¡¯ relationship with the community impacts the transmission and manifestation of ICH as a CoP, emphasising mutual engagement, joint enterprise, shared repertoire and shared identity. Qualitative research methods, including interviews, field notes, observations and multimedia documentation, were employed. The results present the conditions for a youth-driven CoP, supporting youth experiences in: (1) enhancing their sense of local identity; (2) recognising the value of cultural knowledge; (3) engaging in collaborative learning with a culture bearer; and (4) being challenged to find innovative solutions.
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