Establishing A Framework For Intangible Cultural Heritage Using Nanyin As A Case Study

Intangible cultural heritage (1CH) is a very new field and academic studies of it and its safeguarding are not yet well developed in China. As it develops it is important that ICH evolves its own concepts rather than those of other fields. This is especially urgent as ICH is threatened by rapid social and economic change in the21st century.The aim of this thesis is to develop a framework for ICH and its safeguarding. It will use Mingnan culture—Nanyin, a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity designated by UNESCO in2009, as a case study. This will be used to demonstrate the nature, character and value of1CH. In addition, Nanyin fieldwork studies from Quanzhou and Taiwan will be used to lest and to develop the framework.The thesis argues that so far, most research on Nanyin has been from a musicological perspective and therefore does not fully address the issue of safeguarding ICH. It is therefore important that further research is undertaken from new perspectives.Many of the early studies used to establish ICH were limited in scope and left many questions unanswered. One of the most important of these was the issue of safeguarding and this has led to misunderstandings and very possibly resulted in irrecoverable damage to ICH. Another misunderstanding discussed is question of "authenticity’. The thesis proposes an alternative framework for safeguarding ICH based on the concept of biodiversity. Three levels of diversity, genetic, species and ecosystems, are used to develop a new, more sophisticated concept of cultural diversity which will also be an effective practical tool to safeguard ICH.The thesis demonstrates that Nanyin is an outstanding ICH. From this case study it is clear that it is continuously evolving with change at its heart. It is therefore impossible to base our understanding of safeguarding on the perspectives of musicologists many of whom value authenticity highly. The changing process and nature of ICH provide important messages on safeguarding. Contemporary Nanyin artists/practioners have to accept the changes taking place in Nanyin and the changing world they now face. They need to create new values and new relationships with contemporary society to win the respect. interest and support of wider society. It is not just the responsibility of people in Quanzou or in Taiwan to safeguard Nanyin. There is an important role for international organizations in the sustainable development of Nanyin.