In March 2024, the UK Government signed the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It was one of only 12 countries worldwide that had not yet ratified it. For now, the UK Government has adopted a “lift not list” policy. This means that the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport will not submit elements for inclusion on the UNESCO International lists.

However, it will proceed with the establishment of a UK-wide inventory as required by Article 12 of the Convention.  This lecture examines the profile of languages on the UNESCO international lists. It considers why Irish (or any of the Celtic languages) are unlikely to feature on the UK Inventory. It argues against UNESCO policy on language as heritage and makes the case as to why Irish and other languages should be included on UNESCO’s International lists.

Recent Publications by Prof. Nic Craith:

The Vanishing World of the Islandman: Narrative and Nostalgia

https://www.palgrave.com/gp/series/15120

Heritage and Festivals in Europe

https://www.routledge.com/Heritage-and-Festivals-in-Europe-Performing-Identities/Kockel-Clopot-Tjarve-Craith/p/book/9780367186760