The Minister of Youth and Arts, Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, has called on young people to avoid distorting Kinyarwanda, stressing that misusing the language is not a sign of intelligence. He made these remarks during the International Mother Language Day celebration at Lycée de Kigali, Nyarugenge District, on Friday, February 21. The event brought together over 1,000 students, artists, teachers, and administrators. ALSO READ: Kinyarwanda’s hope for survival lies in our tongues Utumatwishima pointed out the growing trend of incorrect writing of Kinyarwanda in informal communication among young people. “Some believe that changing words or writing them incorrectly makes them appear smart, but it does not. If you neglect proper Kinyarwanda usage early on, you will struggle with it as you advance in education and professional life,” he said. He said that a poor command of Kinyarwanda could impact future leadership roles, particularly for those aspiring to public service. “Imagine becoming an executive secretary and addressing an audience that includes elders, only to struggle with proper expression. A leader must communicate effectively in Kinyarwanda to engage the community,” the minister said. ALSO READ: Kinyarwanda: What we lose by not speaking native language Utumatwishima, who is a medical doctor, highlighted the importance of Kinyarwanda in professional fields such as healthcare. He shared his experience studying medicine, noting that a language barrier could hinder patient care. “If a patient speaks to you in Kinyarwanda and you need a translator, some words might not be accurately conveyed. Understanding emotions is crucial in healthcare, and language plays a key role in that,” he said. Utumatwishima encouraged young people to develop their Kinyarwanda skills by reading news, writing poetry, and practicing it regularly. “I am pleased to hear that some students are reading the news in Kinyarwanda. Keep doing that. It helps preserve the language,” he urged. ALSO READ: Rwandans urged to elevate Kinyarwanda to its rightful place The event was marked by book donations from Rwandan-French writer and singer Gaël Faye and Rwandan author Scholastique Mukasonga. Their books, focusing on Rwanda’s history and culture, were distributed to schools and public libraries to promote reading and language preservation. The minister expressed gratitude for their contribution and called on school leaders to ensure the books are accessible to students. “These books should not just be stored away. They are valuable resources written in Kinyarwanda and should be readily available for students,” Utumatwishima emphasised. Faye, author of “Gahugu Gato,” encouraged students to cultivate a reading habit, saying, “To become a good writer, you must first love reading. I hope these books inspire you to learn and improve your writing.” Mukasonga, author of “Bikira Mariya wa Nili” stressed the role of literature in preserving history and culture. “Words may fade, but written records remain,” she said. Initially written in French, the two books were translated into Kinyarwanda. Yvonne Gahongayire, who represented the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), mentioned Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding Kinyarwanda. She noted that the country has celebrated International Mother Language Day since 2000. “Kinyarwanda is our shared heritage and unites us as Rwandans. Our national anthem highlights that our culture defines us, and language is a vital part of it,” she said. She pointed out challenges in preserving Kinyarwanda, including improper use of speech and writing, and called on all Rwandans to protect and develop the language. “This year’s theme, ‘Learn, Improve Kinyarwanda, the Language That Connects Us,’ highlights the need to prioritise our mother tongue in education and technology,” Gahongayire said. As part of the celebrations, the RCHA organized activities since November, including competitions and media discussions. On Sunday, February 23, a virtual meeting will be scheduled with Rwandans abroad to explore strategies for preserving and promoting Kinyarwanda globally. Gahongayire acknowledged the contributions of institutions and individuals involved in developing Kinyarwanda, including authors, publishers, and translators. She urged continuous efforts to enhance the language’s visibility and quality.
