Uenezi na Changamoto za Kiswahili Nchini Burundi

Abstract

Abstract: Despite being the second most spoken foreign language in Burundi, Kiswahili is still given little attention compared to French and English. This study therefore aimed to investigate the spread of Kiswahili in Burundi by highlighting the challenges and factors that led to its spread in the country. Primary and secondary data were used in this study where primary data were collected through interviews. In addition, a population of 41 respondents was made up of Kiswahili teachers at universities and residents of the provinces of Rumonge, Makamba, Muyinga and the economic city of Bujumbura. This study which was conducted in Burundi revealed that Kiswahili spread in Burundi thanks to religion, immigration, the arrival of Arabs, colonialism, regional cooperation, war, business, education, marriage, border interactions and media. Although Kiswahili is taught from primary school to universities and the presence of associations to promote it, this study revealed that the history of Burundi, shortage of teachers and books, misconceptions, language policy and social classes are among the challenges that hinder the rapid development of the language. This study concluded by recommending the wide use of the language in different sectors and carrying out researches on the current status of Kiswahili in Burundi.

IKISIRI: Licha ya umaarufu wa kuwa lugha ya pili ya kigeni inayozungumzwa sana nchini Burundi, Kiswahili bado kinapewa nafasi ndogo sana ikilinganishwa na Kifaransa na Kiingereza. Hivyo, utafiti huu ulilenga kuchunguza hali ya Kiswahili nchini Burundi kwa kuangazia changamoto na sababu zilizopelekea kusambaa kwa lugha hiyo ya kigeni nchini humo. Data za uwandani na data za marejeleo zilitumika katika utafiti huu ambapo data za uwandani zilikusanywa kwa njia ya usaili. Aidha, sampuli ya watafitiwa 41 iliundwa na walimu wa Kiswahili vyuo vikuu na wenyeji wa mikoa ya Rumonge, Makamba, Muyinga na jiji la Bujumbura. Utafiti huu ambao ulifanyika nchini Burundi ulibaini kuwa Kiswahili kilisambaa Burundi kutokana na dini, uhamiaji, ujio wa Waarabu, ukoloni, ushirikiano wa kikanda, vita, biashara, elimu, ndoa, maingiliano ya mpakani na vyombo vya habari. Licha ya Kiswahili kufundishwa kuanzia elimu ya msingi hadi vyuo vikuu na uwepo wa vyama vya kukiendeleza, utafiti huu ulibaini kuwa historia ya Burundi, uhaba wa walimu na vitabu, mitazamo potofu, sera ya lugha na matabaka ya kiuchumi ni miongoni mwa changamoto zinazotatiza maendeleo ya lugha hiyo. Utafiti huu unahitimisha kwa kupendekeza matumizi mapana ya lugha hiyo katika nyanja zote na kufanya utafiti wa kina kuhusu mafanikio ya Kiswahili nchini Burundi.