The principle of geographical names as part of the intangible cultural heritage in international standardization of geographical names

Abstract

The first part of the paper reviews the resolutions, recommendations, and working papers developed by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) which emphasise the cultural value of geographical names. It demonstrates how, during the 2000s, the idea that traditional
geographical names require specific consideration in the process of geographical names standardisation as an integral component of intangible cultural heritage evolved and gained prominence in the UNGEGN’s endeavours, underscoring the necessity of their preservation and widespread promotion. The second part of the paper briefly describes the professional and organisational context that enabled the group of geographical names experts to produce relevant findings, documents, volumes of studies, handbooks, teaching materials, and bulletins. The article concludes with a discussion of the criteria typically exhibited by geographical names of cultural value, as outlined in UNGEGN documents.