ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the objections that have been raised to the ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICHC), especially the relevance of the definition of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) as outlined in the ICHC, and the role of language within that context. It focuses on objections to the process of inventorying – which is one of the key elements of the Convention. The chapter looks at some examples of how the works – as well as the ambition of the states to collaborate internationally with the issue. Absentees from the ICHC who engage with the process of inventorying may argue that they fulfill the spirit of the Convention – thereby drawing on 'assertion of fulfillment'. The chapter concludes with the argument that it is in the interest of the stakeholders, tradition-bearers and the ICH community that more states should ratify the Convention.
