The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) has raised concerns about the declining quality of Kinyarwanda, especially among educated people. Speaking at a press briefing in Kigali on January 27, ministry officials said a recent assessment shows that although 99.7 percent of Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda, 70.6 percent admit that it is often spoken and written incorrectly. ALSO READ: Heroes Day: Youth commit to nation-building The government plans to link the upcoming National Heroes Day celebrations on February 1 to a month-long campaign aimed at promoting correct use of Kinyarwanda and encouraging pride in the national language. ALSO READ: CHENO unveils activities for Heroes Day celebration An assessment released in August last year by Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) highlighted that nearly every Rwandan knows the language, but according to Robert Masozera, RCHA Director General, the problem is not about how many people speak the language, but how they use it. “We are seeing Kinyarwanda being diluted or spoken incorrectly, often treated as a language for the uneducated or something that is not modern,” he added. The research identified a specific social pressure driving the change. According to the assessment, 32.5 percent of those who mix Kinyarwanda with English or French do so to appear “elite” or “sophisticated.” Another 22.5 percent said they were simply mimicking public figures and influencers. ALSO READ: Rwanda marks 31st National Heroes Day There are also concerns about limited vocabulary in specific fields (17 percent) and a general lack of proficiency (14.5 percent). The academy identified musicians, journalists—particularly in sports and entertainment—and public leaders as the primary influencers of the trend. However, Masozera noted that these same groups are the key to the solution. Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, noted that the country is intentionally linking heroism with the campaign to speak Kinyarwanda correctly. “A nation’s survival is rooted in its culture, history, and the language that unites its people,” he said. Francois Ngarambe, Chancellor of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), said heroism is a nurtured virtue that requires a deep connection to one’s roots. He attributed the decline in linguistic standards to a lingering “colonial mindset” and what he termed as intellectual laziness. “Language defines who we are. Heroism is a cultural trait, and culture is carried by language. If we lose our language, we lose the framework for future heroes, because both heroism and language must be practiced and perfected,” he added. To address challenges with Kinyarwanda language, the government is launching a series of initiatives starting in February, including nationwide school competitions on February 4 to encourage fluency among children, leading up to International Mother Language Day on February 24, according to Masozera.
