Heritage interpretation and foreign language provision at Irish visitor attractions

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of foreign language provision in Irish cultural heritage sites. The prime objective of the paper is to illustrate the providers' approach to language provision and thereby to establish if the product offering is suitably matched to the expectations of linguistically and culturally diverse audiences. The research was undertaken as a qualitative and evaluative investigation of top visitor attractions in Dublin, Ireland, and was carried out by an experienced tour guide, who is proficient in a range of international languages. The research suggests that foreign language provision is weak at Irish cultural heritage sites, reflecting a poor understanding of diverse audiences and how to cater for them. Where multiple language provision is in place, the material is often quite basic, usually being a literal translation of the native language text/script. Furthermore, there is usually little sensitivity to the cultural understanding of non-locals and a lack of awareness regarding the overall principles of heritage interpretation. Various inhibitors were identified regarding the provision of suitable multi-lingual interpretation, a critical factor being a lack of awareness and thus, poor action by the various tourism industry stakeholders. The paper concludes with practical recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of foreign language interpretation at Irish cultural heritage sites.In essence, the formula describes that information will lead to attitude change, which in turn will lead to behavioural change. We know, however, from personal experience as well as empirical research in psychology that such a programmatic sequence is not guaranteed. (p. 2) Journal of Heritage Tourism 97 Downloaded by [Erciyes University] at 18:05 27 December 2014

Tourist Perspectives on Agricultural Heritage Interpretation—A Case Study of the Qingtian Rice-Fish System

“…Then, visitor interviews and questionnaires were engaged to examine the effects of interpretation contents and interpretation forms on tourists' heritage recognition and experience evaluation of Qingtian rice-fish systems. The research findings reinforce the importance of both contents and forms of heritage interpretation in sharping tourists' recognition and evaluation of agricultural heritage, which echoes with research of other agricultural heritage sites [16,20,25]. Different from other types of heritage [6,16,25], agricultural heritage systems are rich with components that could be developed for participatory interpretations, such as participating in agricultural practices, agricultural product tasting, learning the traditional culture, and many more.…”

“…The research findings reinforce the importance of both contents and forms of heritage interpretation in sharping tourists' recognition and evaluation of agricultural heritage, which echoes with research of other agricultural heritage sites [16,20,25]. Different from other types of heritage [6,16,25], agricultural heritage systems are rich with components that could be developed for participatory interpretations, such as participating in agricultural practices, agricultural product tasting, learning the traditional culture, and many more. Thus, interpretation for agricultural heritage systems has the potential to be further enriched and diversified both in contents and in forms.…”

“…Integrating both qualitative interview and quantitative questionnaire, research results reveal that, as an important tool to enhance visitors' heritage experiences, create emotional attachments to heritage resources, and raise public awareness of heritage values and willingness to support its conservation [16,20,25], a well-developed heritage interpretation system is critical for agricultural heritage conservation.…”

“…Moreover, the development and popularization of digital technology have promoted the diversity of interpretation forms at tourist destinations [25,26]. Studies reveal that both what is interpreted and how it is interpreted would influence whether information is effectively disseminated and received [16][17][18]27,28]. Therefore, to enhance heritage interpretation effectiveness, it is necessary to look into both the content and forms of interpretation.…”

“…Furthermore, heritage interpretation plays an essential role in strengthening the relationship between tourists and agricultural heritage sites [15][16][17]. Heritage interpretation in a tourism context refers to the educational activity that delivers and interprets information about natural and cultural heritages to people visiting heritage sites [16][17][18]. It not only enriches emotions and experiences between tourists and heritage resources, but also enhances awareness of heritage conservation and protection [18][19][20][21].…”