New Paradigms in Interpretation: how stories can change the world
26.09.2025
Sustainability , Community, Social impact, Ideas
New Paradigms in Interpretation
In March 2023, Eric Langham delivered a powerful and thought-provoking presentation at the Global Alliance for Heritage Interpretation (GAHI), challenging the way stories are used in interpretation. Titled New Paradigms in Interpretation: how stories can change the world in a changing world, the talk captivated a global audience of heritage professionals by exploring the transformative power of stories.
Eric discussed the responsibility of interpreters to create experiences that not only engage and inspire but also foster empathy and action. Drawing on a range of iconic global case studies, he demonstrated how interpretation can shape our understanding of the world, provoke new ideas, and offer audiences opportunities to act on what they discover. In an increasingly noisy, media-driven world, Eric emphasised the need for interpreters to craft experiences that are immersive, awe-inspiring, and address complex narratives.
Concluding with a manifesto for change, Eric advocated for a paradigm shift in the field, urging interpreters to rethink their approaches and embrace new models of practice in response to evolving global challenges.