Intentional distortion of Ikinyarwanda, code-switching, slang, and borrowed words from regional languages are among the main factors contributing to the erosion of the Rwandan language, officials have warned.

These practices are particularly common in the City of Kigali, where 32 per cent of residents believe that mixing languages is a sign of higher status, according to Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA).

This perception persists even though 94 per cent of Rwandans consider Kinyarwanda as their identity and very important in their daily lives, according to Amb. Robert Masozera, RCHA Director General.

"Public services play a major role in the language’s decline. Many service providers, including banks, insurance companies, and telecom firms, primarily operate in English and other languages,” Masozera said.

He noted that at least 78 per cent of service providers use English, while only 15 per cent of public signage is written in Ikinyarwanda.

"This trend is preventable and we call for greater efforts to ensure that Ikinyarwanda is valued and prioritized, especially at a time when emerging influences continue to threaten its significance,” he added.

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These concerns were raised during the 23rd edition of International Mother Language Day, celebrated on Tuesday, February 24, in Kigali.

The audience included Rwandan youth and their parents from Belgium, who are in Rwanda for a 10-day cultural study tour, as well as students from schools in Kigali such as Collège Saint-André, Lycée de Kigali, and G.S. Cyahafi, and virtual attendance from Collège du Christ-Roi de Nyanza.

"We understand that due to country’s history, many Rwandans were affected and couldn’t speak Ikinyarwanda as they should but that’s no longer the case today. The 32 per centage in Kigali is so alarming,” Masozera said.

He acknowledged that some people may choose to distort the language or engage in code-switching because they lack appropriate words to use in a specific context. However, he noted others intentionally undermine the language.

"Some people are undermining its value. They consider it a cheap language, not a business language, and not relevant in the modern world. Those threats to the language are known. We urge everyone to fight these misconceptions. Government policy encourages public figures and officials to be at the forefront of this effort since they can influence others either positively or negatively. They should be part of the solution, not the source of erosion of the language,” he said.

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Role of influencers

The event included performances by Gakondo singer Ruti Joel, reading competitions, poetry recitals, and many other cultural activities aimed at encouraging people to reconsider the value of Ikinyarwanda and champion efforts against its erosion.

The singer believes that code-switching does not make someone more relevant and is not a marker of intelligence.

"Nothing is as impressive as speaking Ikinyarwanda well and using foreign languages where necessary,” he said. "We learned those languages so that we can communicate with those who cannot speak Ikinyarwanda. So why would I communicate with a Rwandan in English?”

The Gakondo singer pointed out that artistes are partly responsible for the erosion of Kinyarwanda because of their influence, as fans often embrace melodies that sometimes mislead them and gradually adopt the message.

Protective measures are urgent

Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth and Arts, noted that if a language is not protected from emerging threats, it can be eroded to the point where it is no longer relevant. He noted that Ikinyarwanda is a pillar of national unity and preserving it is as important as safeguarding any other national treasure.

"We are in Rwanda, and speaking Ikinyarwanda should be part of what we strive for. Learning our mother tongue requires dedicated time, consultation, reading books, and engaging with educational content on various platforms,” he said.

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Esperance Nyiramana Nassy, who accompanied her two children from Liège, Belgium, and who are part of a group visiting Rwanda, said that raising a child abroad requires attention and dedicated time, especially through culture-related programmes, where children are taught more about Rwanda.

"It is a continuous battle. We stay close to their development, especially in helping them understand their origin. That matters most in shaping their direction. They are now able to read, count, and name colors and months in Kinyarwanda without being forced. We are looking forward to maintaining that momentum,” she said.