Interpretation, Culture and the Creation of Place

GIANNA MOSCARDO

This paper brings together three concepts or themes – interpretation and the presentation of places to visitors, the concept of sense of place, and culture. It is argued that interpretation is about the creation of sense of place and as such is linked in complex ways to the cultures of the place being presented, the presenters and the visitors. It is further argued that studies into interpretation effectiveness have not yet fully considered culture as a major element of this type of tourist experience. This paper will seek to address this issue by outlining the cultural dimensions of the interpretation system or process. The paper will then describe the potential role of culture at these various points and suggest steps for further research and attention.

Keywords: Culture; communication; interpretation; place..