Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Cultural Memory • Archival Preservation • Ethnographic Research

Intangible Heritage

Term from Cultural Preservation industry explained for recruiters

Intangible Heritage refers to living traditions, practices, and cultural expressions passed down through generations. Unlike physical objects in museums, these are the customs, knowledge, and skills that communities keep alive. This includes things like traditional music, storytelling, festivals, crafts, and cultural practices. People working in this field help document, protect, and promote these traditions to ensure they aren't lost over time. Similar terms include 'living heritage,' 'cultural traditions,' or 'traditional cultural expressions.' UNESCO (a part of the United Nations) officially recognizes and helps protect these cultural elements through their Intangible Cultural Heritage program.

Examples in Resumes

Documented and cataloged Intangible Heritage elements for regional cultural preservation database

Led community workshops to preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage practices

Developed educational programs highlighting local Living Heritage traditions

Typical job title: "Heritage Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Cultural Heritage Specialist Heritage Program Officer Cultural Preservation Specialist Traditional Knowledge Coordinator Cultural Programs Manager Heritage Documentation Specialist Community Heritage Officer

Where to Find Heritage Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a comprehensive plan for preserving a community's intangible heritage?

Expected Answer: Should discuss community engagement strategies, documentation methods, sustainable preservation approaches, and ways to involve younger generations. Should mention building partnerships and securing funding sources.

Q: What experience do you have with UNESCO's ICH nomination process?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of preparing nomination files, community consultation processes, and understanding of UNESCO's criteria and procedures for ICH inscription.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you engage local communities in heritage preservation projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain approaches to community consultation, building trust with tradition bearers, and methods for involving community members in documentation and preservation efforts.

Q: What methods do you use to document intangible heritage?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various documentation techniques like audio/video recording, interviews, photography, and written documentation, while emphasizing respectful approaches to working with communities.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between tangible and intangible heritage?

Expected Answer: Should explain that tangible heritage includes physical objects and sites, while intangible heritage consists of living traditions, practices, and knowledge passed down through generations.

Q: Why is it important to preserve intangible heritage?

Expected Answer: Should discuss cultural identity, community values, diversity, and the risk of losing traditional knowledge and practices in modern society.