UNIVERSIDADE DO NAMIBE

FACULDADE DE ENGENHARIA E TECNOLOGIA

TRABALHO EM GRUPO DE INGLÊS

TEMA: English as an official language in Rwanda

Curso: Engenharia Electrotecnica e Electronica Industrial
Ano:2º
Periodo: Regular
Grupo nº 6

O (A) Docente

Moçâmedes, 2024
 DEPARTAMENTO DE ENGENHARIA ELECTROTECNICA E
ELECTRONICA INDUSTRIAL
FACULDADE DE ENGENHARIA E TECNOLOGIA

INTEGRANTES DO GRUPO
NOME NOTA INDIVIDUAL
Eduardo Eyanga
Evanilson Peso
Francisco Hucui
Jadiel Bom Ano
Jorge Campos
Maria Limanga
Paz Massualali

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INDICE
INTRODUTION ..............................................................................................................................4
2.English as an official language in Rwanda .................................................................................5
2.1.Habits, Customs and Culture of Rwanda ................................................................................5
2.2.English Language in Rwanda Teaching ...................................................................................7
2.3.Importance of English as an official language in Rwanda .......................................................8
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................9
Bibliografia .................................................................................................................................10

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INTRODUTION

English is one of the four official languages in Rwanda, along with Kinyarwanda,
French, and Swahili. French was adopted as an official language during the
Belgian colonial period, but is currently spoken by only about 0.1% of Rwanda's
population. English became an official language in Rwanda in the late twentieth
century and was introduced to schools in 2008. The transition from French to
English in Rwanda was motivated by a desire to break French influence and
align Rwanda with the East African Community, where English is the official
language. Additionally, the use of English provides an economically viable
option, increasing the number of foreign investors from English-speaking
countries.

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2.English as an official language in Rwanda

Rwanda is a country located in Central Africa, with a population of about 13.4

million people. The country is made up of three main tribes: the Hutus, the
Tutsis and the Twa or Batwa, who share the same cultural heritage and speak
the same local language, "Kinyarwanda". Rwanda's cuisine is based on local
staple foods produced by traditional subsistence agriculture, such as bananas,
plantains, pulses, sweet potatoes, beans, and cassava. Music and dance are an
integral part of Rwanda's culture, with Intore being the most famous traditional
dance
2.1.Habits, Customs and Culture of Rwanda

Rwanda's culture is rich and diverse. The population of Rwanda is made up of

three main tribes: the Hutus, the Tutsis, and the Twa or Batwa. All three groups
speak the same local language, Kinyarwanda, and share the same cultural
heritage. Historically, each group had distinct roles in public rituals and each
group had a distinct way of dressing and shared a common language and
cultural heritage. Some of Rwanda's most notable customs and traditions
include:

Amasunzu

It is a traditional Rwandan hairstyle that was worn by both men and women.
The unique style is created by cutting part of the hair sideways and braiding the
top. A person who had this hairstyle was identified as powerful, noble,
prestigious, and courageous. The Amasunzu hairstyle came back into fashion in
2018 when Lupita Nyong'o wore it on the red carpet at the Oscars.

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Intore Dancing

is a traditional Rwandan dance that is performed by Intore dance groups.

Founded several centuries ago, the Intore, (The Chosen) who performed
exclusively for the Royal Court, received military training and were taught the
technique of jumping, which is a significant part of the dance. Held wearing
grass wigs and holding spears, this dance is a true Rwandan spectacle. Live
performances can be seen in cultural villages, museums, and as entertainment
in many hotels in Rwanda.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts in Rwanda are a traditional art still used today to make dry
containers for storing food and medicine. These containers are also known as
peace jars and had traditional values such as celebrating weddings or as a
welcome gift. Pottery is one of the oldest forms of art in Rwanda and can still be
seen in many cities today, using traditional Batwa techniques. Known for their
good clay quality, these ceramics are still widely used for cooking and storing
liquids.

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Umuganda

This is when Rwandans from all walks of life come together to work for the good
of their neighborhoods and their nation as a whole. The last Saturday of every
month, shops are closed, buses stop running, traffic disappears from the roads,
and Rwandans put aside their businesses people in the morning and contribute
their efforts to public works projects across the country, which may include
cleaning up trash, planting trees, building homes for the poor. vulnerable and
more. The social and economic benefits of Umuganda are easy to see (Rwanda
is not the cleanest country in Africa by any chance!), and all visitors are warmly
invited to participate; given the variety of projects covered by Umuganda, you're
sure to find one that suits your interests.

2.2.English Language in Rwanda Teaching

According to the education system in Rwanda, the language of instruction is

English. Secondary education is divided into lower secondary and upper
secondary, both lasting 3 years. Lower secondary, like primary, focuses on
acquiring basic knowledge and skills. English is taught as a second language in
all schools, including primary and secondary schools. Additionally, many
universities in Rwanda offer courses in English, and English proficiency can
help students qualify for international scholarships and study abroad
opportunities.
Learning English can help Rwandan citizens communicate with people from all
over the world, improve their job prospects, and increase their understanding of
other cultures. Additionally, English proficiency can help students qualify
forinternational scholarships and study abroad opportunities. The English

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language is a global language, and English proficiency is a valuable skill in
many industries, including international trade, tourism, education, and economic
development.

2.3.Importance of English as an official language in Rwanda

The importance of English in Rwanda is evident in many ways:

First and foremost, English is a global language, spoken by more than 1.5
billion people worldwide. As such, it is an important language for international
trade, diplomacy, and global communication. Learning English can help
Rwandan citizens communicate with people from all over the world, improve
their job prospects, and increase their understanding of other cultures.

Secondly, English is an important language for tourism in Rwanda. The country

is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Volcanoes National
Park, where visitors can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Tourism
is a major industry in Rwanda, and many visitors come from English-speaking
countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Learning English can help Rwandan citizens communicate with these visitors
and provide a better and more efficient service.

Thirdly, English is an important language for education in Rwanda. Many

universities in Rwanda offer courses in English, and English proficiency can
help students qualify for international scholarships and study abroad
opportunities. Additionally, many textbooks and educational resources are only
available in English, which means that English proficiency is essential for
academic success.

Fourthly, English is an important language for economic development in

Rwanda. The country is becoming a tech hub in Africa, with many tech
companies setting up operations in Rwanda. Proficiency in English is essential
to work in these companies and to communicate with international clients and
partners.
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Conclusion

In summary, the English language is an important language in Rwanda, with

many benefits for those who learn it. Learning English can help Rwandan
citizens communicate with people from all over the world, improve their job
prospects, and increase their understanding of other cultures. In addition,
English proficiency can help students qualify for international scholarships and
study abroad opportunities. The English language is a global language, and
English proficiency is a valuable skill in many industries, including international
trade, tourism, education, and economic development.

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Bibliografia

Hector, P. (2011). societies. Sydney: Villport.

Lincoln, A. (2014). English LANGUAGE. LONDON: TXT.

NORMAN, K. (2009). LEAR ENGLISH IN RWANDA. KIGALI: SUN.

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