01702nas a2200145   4500000000100000008004100001100001600042700001800058700002300076700002200099700001200121245010400133856014800237520117100385                                       d1 aAmalia Dewi1 aBent Sorensen1 aKusubakti Andajani1 aCicik Tri Jayanti1 aPonimin00aUNESCO and the definition of intangible cultural heritage - proposing some conceptual underpinnings  uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105000211606&doi=10.1515%2flass-2024-0052&partnerID=40&md5=331018b6f1f4c19011ebe8eee30a67d43 aUNESCO s definition of intangible cultural heritage has provided a widely recognized framework for the identification and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. It has legitimized the cultural practices of diverse communities, ensuring they are valued and protected. Despite its influence, UNESCO s definition of intangible cultural heritage has faced academic criticism for several reasons, including being too broad, vague and even unscientific. The authors of this article believe that UNESCO s definition still merits positive academic attention. Hence, the article proposes some conceptual underpinnings for UNESCO s definition. Central to the proposal is a look at intangible cultural heritage which tries to enrich the definition by emphasizing the dynamic, interpretative, and purpose-driven nature of intangible cultural heritage. It highlights the continuous interaction between intangible and tangible elements, the inherent semiotic/communicative potential of intangible cultural heritage, and the diversity within intangible cultural heritage communities/groups. The proposal is based on concepts stemming from Peirce s metaphysics and semiotics.