Language:

The mother tongue of almost all Rwandans (98.3%) is the Bantu language Kinyarwanda. Kinyarwanda was and is the binding element of Rwandan society and forms the basis of Rwandan culture. There is also a strong oral tradition in Rwanda, which is linked to the language.

As Rwanda was a Belgian colony for over forty years, many people still speak French. However, the language is increasingly being replaced by English, as returning refugees were mostly in Anglophone neighbouring countries and some were born there. On their return, they brought the English language with them to Rwanda. In 2009, the language of schooling and administration was changed from French to English. This was also justified by the fact that Rwanda wanted to strengthen economic and political relations with the other countries of the East African Union (EAC) and that these countries were Anglophone.

Since 2017, the fourth official language has been Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa, in order to simplify communication and trade with neighbouring countries.

Dance and music:

Rwanda's traditional art forms of music, dance and poetry are closely linked to the Kinyarwandan language. They still play a major role today at festive occasions and social gatherings. One important dance is the ‘Intore’, which translates as ‘the chosen ones’ - young men were trained in dance and drumming at the Rwandan royal court. The dance consists of three parts: firstly, the warrior dance danced by men. The clothing consists of a skirt, a grass wig, beaded ribbons, shield and spear. The second component is the women's ballet, called Umushayayo, which is intended to radiate elegance and purity. The women wear the traditional umushanana, consisting of a long skirt and a sash worn over one shoulder. In addition, there are the drums, the Ingoma, which play an important role in the Rwandan tradition.

There are numerous other dances in Rwanda. Many of them depict everyday situations, nature or the dancers' professions. The dances had a unifying power and were danced on various occasions. They are still very popular today and for many an important part of Rwandan culture.

The traditional music is still very popular today. It can accompany dances, combine singing and instruments or be purely instrumental. Traditional instruments include the aforementioned Ingoma drums and the zither-like Inanga. Rwanda's modern pop scene is also special, as it combines modern and traditional musical elements.

Traditional arts and crafts:

Traditional handicrafts in Rwanda include various techniques, such as weaving baskets, bowls, jewellery or bead jewellery made from paper beads. These beads are made from long triangular paper that is rolled up to form a bead.

A popular art form in Rwanda is imigongo. This is an art form that is traditionally made from cow dung. The murals depict geometric shapes on a thin wooden panel, traditionally in black, white, grey and red.

The craft has a very long tradition in Rwanda and is mainly practised by women. It decorates the home and characterises many everyday objects. The handicraft products are characterised by simplicity and simple geometric shapes. The contrast of light and dark colours and the absence of figurative representations are characteristic, which is unusual for the African continent.

In 2017, an exhibition of Rwandan arts and crafts was held at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz. The exhibits on display were collected HERE

Food:

The main foods in Rwanda are plantains, pulses, sweet potatoes, beans, manioc, millet, fresh vegetables, potatoes and maize in the north-west. Meat is often only available on special occasions. Beef, goat and poultry are traditionally eaten, pork is becoming increasingly popular. Fish is mainly available near lakes, such as in the Lake Kivu region. Typical dishes include isombe - mashed manioc leaves with spiced tomato and meat sauce - ubugali or foufou - the porridge made from manioc flour and water that is widespread in Central and East Africa - and brochettes as a snack - skewers with grilled goat meat and vegetables.

Eating is a private matter and not a widespread pleasure ritual or even a topic of conversation as it is in Germany. It is only eaten within the family. Our ‘to-go culture’ is in stark contrast to this. Nevertheless, restaurants and cafés are becoming more and more established. In contrast to food culture, drinking culture is very important in Rwanda. Two typical drinks are Urwagwa (banana beer) and Amarwa (sorghum beer). Beer is typically drunk in drinking vessels made from gourds, known as calabashes. Other common drinks are milk and tea.

Women in Rwanda:

One issue that is often associated with Rwanda is gender equality. In the ‘Global Gender Gap Report’, a report by the World Economic Forum on gender equality, Rwanda occupies fourth place in the ranking, ahead of Sweden. In fact, many government measures ensure that women are not disadvantaged. At 61.3%, the proportion of women in the Rwandan parliament is one of the highest in the world. The important position of women has something to do with the sad past of the ‘land of a thousand hills’. Many men were murdered during the 1994 genocide. Many more were imprisoned for their actions - leaving the women behind. They were instrumental in the reconstruction and reconciliation of the country. However, no law in the world can dictate how one should think and it often takes a long time for behaviour and role patterns in a patriarchal society to change. The man is still the head of the house, women and older daughters have to take care of the children's upbringing alongside their work, a woman is only considered strong if she has many children, etc.

Ultimately, culture is a very personal perception of one's living environment and is different for everyone. The definition ‘culture is everything that people create themselves’ does not come close to describing the diversity of personal views on culture, because you could also say that culture is the way people react to the past, present and future. How would you describe German culture?

Rwanda has undergone profound changes in recent decades - some even believe that Rwanda is increasingly absorbing the culture of others out of a desire to develop further. Whether you think this is good or bad is up to you. I can only encourage you to seek direct contact in order to get to know other cultures and ultimately understand them a little better. No text in the world can replace these experiences.