Methodology

The development of the web application on intangible cultural heritage practices in Lower Lusatia is based on three steps.

The first step was to establish necessary technical basics for data inventory, which included working on solutions for data modeling and data management, as well as establishing a database cluster.

An initial database section on cultural expressions was then created, drawing on an existing online database of customs and festivals listed in the Spree-Neiße district/​Wokrejs Sprjewja-Nysa and expanding it to include other cultural expressions as well as the entire Sorbian/​Wendish settlement area of Lower Lusatia.

Digital versions of the existing questionnaires on customs and festivals, which have already been tested in sub-regions, were adapted accordingly.

Additionally, a database section was developed to digitally record and enable further use of material supplementing the questionnaires, which was compiled during literature review and quantitative data collection.

The second step involved modeling a database domain for evidence of various intangible cultural heritage practices. These include oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals and festivals, knowledge related to nature and traditional craft techniques.

A key component of this process was the involvement of local intangible cultural heritage stakeholders and experts. This was achieved primarily through network building and ongoing maintenance throughout the project period.

Various pieces of evidence were continuously identified, collected and curated, primarily through literature research in official journals, newspapers, and social media. Qualitative data collection methods, such as on-site observation, written and visual documentation, and expert interviews complemented the approach.

In order to make datasets sustainably usable for civil society, cultural tourism, creative industries and thus contribute to preservation and further development of Sorbian/​Wendish traditions and cultural expressions, the development of digital user interfaces is planned for both public and academic needs.

The latter will provide in-depth access to database cluster and thus serve the cultural studies and sociolinguistic processing and evaluation of the processed data.

Development of the specific user interfaces began with data entry into created database starting in 2024.

With the web application, the first standard access to a selected data package of cultural expressions has now been released for public use, which will be further revised and expanded by the end of 2025.

In addition, initial access for experts will be developed and enabled for in-depth scientific use by the end of 2025.