01503nas a2200145   4500000000100000000000100001008004100002260003300043100001300076245008200089856015200171300001000323520097700333020004701310       2020                            d  bEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.1 aM. Cornu00aDefining the perimeter of the intangible cultural heritage: focus on language  uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85118582620&doi=10.4337%2f9781839100031.00012&partnerID=40&md5=2fbbd3150802f9b23c56309f29e42f4a  a54-673 aThis chapter focuses on language as one of the most cited elements of intangible cultural heritage of a community. Nevertheless, the 2003 Convention does not recognize language in itself but only as a ‘vessel’ for intangible cultural heritage. This ambiguous reference reveals the lack of consensus amongst state parties at the time of the drafting because of the legal challenges surrounding the protection of language. This chapter puts into perspective the status of language in the 2003 Convention in relation to the existing international and regional law pertaining to the preservation of language. It also nuances the wording of the 2003 Convention with the reality of particular practices, notably UNESCO’S actions in inscribing language-related elements in the Lists as well as national laws, which can reveal a more inclusive approach. Finally, this chapter questions the pertinence of a cultural heritage framework to ensure the preservation of languages.  a9781839100031 (ISBN); 9781839100024 (ISBN)