Rwandans urged to embrace mother tongue

Rwandans have been urged to develop the culture of using their mother tongue, Kinyarwanda. This was the message delivered during the celebration of International Mother Language Day on Sunday in Kigali. Speaking at the event, Cyprien Niyomugabo, the chairperson of Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture (RALC) emphasised the need to ensure proper use of Kinyarwanda in daily activities. “We have to promote Kinyarwanda as a source of knowledge at all levels, and protect its dialects,” Niyomugabo said. He added that through sensitisation campaigns, RALC has reminded Rwandans that there is a link between mother language and dignity. ‘‘There is close association between Kinyarwanda and our national values, and it is the root of good politics and self identity among others,’’ Niyomugabo said. Students from all over the country graced the International Mother Language Day celebrations in Kigali on Sunday. He added that together with their stakeholders, including Rwanda Media High Council and UNESCO Rwanda, they are organising training for journalists about proper usage of Kinyarwanda. In partnership with University of Rwanda’s College of Education, RALC is also planning to write a Kinyarwanda dictionary. And to ensure the professionalisation of Kinyarwanda, the College is planning to introduce a master’s programme in teaching Kinyarwanda language. The minister for Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu called on Rwandans of all levels to study Kinyarwanda, and tasked parents to emphasise its use in their families. “Babies communicate with their parents, even when they are unable to speak. They communicate with the mother, so mother tongue should be the language used for communication between the mother and baby. Parents ought to know that what the children learn at home is key to their learning at school,” Uwacu said. She observed that being proud to speak Kinyarwanda would increase its value internationally, adding that language is a source of identity that differentiates one nation from another. (L-R ) Therese Mukabacondo (L) Vice Chairperson for the Rwanda Academy For Language and Culture, Minister Julienne Uwacu (C) and Cyprien Niyomugabo Chairman Rwanda Academy For Language and Culture enjoy a skit from FAWE Girls School during the celebrations of the International Mother Language Day on Sunday. (Photos by Doreen Umutesi) The minister also called on public figures to communicate in a language suitable to their audience. “Authorities, artistes, journalists and preachers should ensure that their messages reach their intended audience by communicating in the appropriate language. Sometimes citizens do not understand the message from their leaders due to language barrier. In that case it is difficult for citizens to implement what they are asked to do when they have not understood,” Uwacu said. Aime Christian Tuyishime a student in Petit Seminaire Ndera told The New Times that the International Mother Language Day reminds him of the value of mother tongue. “This day is crucial as it reminds me of my mother language and culture. I speak Kinyarwanda more than other languages….,” said Tuyishime. Penan Sugira a Senior Four student at King David Academy said she would pay more attention to the mother language. “I previously didn’t take Kinyarwanda seriously but now I will give it more attention. It is difficult for me to write a good text in Kinyarwanda but with support from our teachers and parents I hope to improve,” said Sugira, 16. The day was marked under the global theme, “Quality education, language (s) of instruction and learning outcomes.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwandans urged to embrace mother tongue