Language
There are
many derivations of languages spoken by the Tutsi. However the Tutsi
mainly, speak Rwanda-Rundi as their native tongue. Rwanda-Rundi is a
subgroup of Bantu, which originates from the Niger-Congo language family.
Rwanda and Rundi is a mixture of two distinct dialects, Kinyarwanda and
Kirundi. It is believed that Rwanda and Burundi each had a specific native
tongue, but when they spread through Central Africa they crossed paths and
formed this hybrid called Rwanda-Rundi. In addition, some other Tutsis
speak French, which is considered their third official language, right after
Rwanda-Rundi.
International Intervention
In 1994,
the Tutsi people became victims of a massive genocide. After the attack
was over only one fourth of the population remained alive. One year before
the genocide happened, in 1993, The United States’ attempted to intervene in
Somalia, leading to the battle Mogadishu. This battle lasted 17
hours and throughout it the bodies of dead American soldiers being dragged
around the streets, were being televised in news networks; this is considered
the longest, bloodiest battle of U.S troop since the Vietnam War.
For these losses, other countries decided to just stand back during the
Tutsi genocide, because they believed intervening would have been a waste of
time, money, and troops. Eventually, the genocide came to an end, but it
is believe that it did not stopped because an outside force intervened, but
because the genocide was finished.
Referenes
Michigan State University
"African Language Webbook Homepage."African Languages at Michigan State University (ASC). Michigan State University, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. <http://africa.isp.msu.edu/afrlang/language.htm?id=91>.
Snyder, R.
"Operation Restore Hope, Battle of Mogadishu,1993." Operation Restore Hope, Battle of Mogadishu,1993. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/his1
I believe it is odd how French is the third official language for the Tutsis, since France is so far away from Rwanda, geographically. Also, I find it really unfortunate how the timeline for this event developed. This happened right after United States had the conflict in Somalia, which made the whole world turn their backs on the Tutsis because they did not want to lose their soldiers like the U.S did. I also find it very sad how nobody intervened to help out the Tutsis. As a matter of fact, I read an article that accused the French military of training the Hutu troops to promote the genocide, which makes me think this move was premeditated by the French and the Hutu.
ReplyDeleteHey Jorge,
ReplyDeleteThe story of the Tutsis and Hutus is an interesting one, and you all situate it historically, but here in your comments, why don't you try to incorporate some class material there. And if any, reflective also means yourself, about your background and that. I know it is not objective, but we talked about objectivity and the study of humanity. For refs, please look at Stephanie's and Krizia's. They did an awesome job there, and you all need to be consistent. Thanks
Jorge, I kindly insist on my previous comment. Please, try to incorporate some course content in your reflection here, and very important for your presentation grade, to try to talk about it when you talk about your reflection. Language is an important topic, and we did talk about it in class. You will have time until the late afternoon tomorrow to make changes. Today, just concentrate on your delivery tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it is very important that you look at the references Stephanie posted. YOu have to change yours just like hers. She is using the AAA Style.
Thanks
I appreciate your feedback Mr. Villamar. I agree Language is a very important topic; as we talked about in class, languages change over time. There is a thing called globalization, and the Tutsi, although they are surrounded by other African countries, are still vulnerable to losing their native languages and dialects. The Tutsi that live near Uganda are starting to speak English, because it's one of the most international languages, if no the most. And, since they were under Belgium rule for a long time, some Tutsi children grow up speaking French as their native language. I believe that they are not in so much danger of losing their native languages, but of evolving. I also think that once more technology reaches Rwanda, more of the people will start speaking English.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Jorge, and also for a very good presentation last Thursday :-)
Delete