diversity of languages

le 7 octobre   It’s tough to be here without my notebook on hand constantly. I’m learning new words and facts from all around me, and I’m trying desperately to catch it all. The students and teachers are eager to help me learn Kinya, and tell me new words or phrases each time they see me – it’s quite a difficult task.

Kinyarwanda is to Swahili what Spanish is to Italian – almost like half siblings. If you know one, you are able to at least understand the other. Kinya is also unlike any language I’ve ever been exposed to (unless you’re counting Glee Club, which is different than using a language for conversing). When I hear Spanish or Italian, I may not be able to respond or even understand all of it, but because I’ve studied French I can at least have the basic understanding of romance languages. I hear words. With Kinya, I hear alphabet soup. For example, “what is your name” is “witwa nde,” and the word for “key” is “imufunguzo.” NOT like French or English in the least

It’s very interesting to be exposed to something completely new and foreign as this local language. The experience of being here in the middle of Africa seems so much more tangible because of the diversity of languages. Kinyarwanda is most Rwandans’ first language; many (especially in Gisenyi) are also fluent in Swahili. If you’ve had a primary education, you’ve got an at least decent grasp of French. English? That makes most people’s fourth around here, if they’re lucky enough. A few of the students and teachers have surprised me with the amount they know, yet all of them are eager to learn more. English is very important to improve your status.

As for me, I’m looking forward to being able to hold a basic conversation beyond just the few greetings and miscellaneous words I know. I’m sure to celebrate, too, when I’m able to speak with someone and not think before each word I say. But this has only been one week of about thirty – soon enough. Besides, making friends in the community, they will be able to aid me and laugh with me when trying to speak Kinyarwanda.