Kinyarwanda versus Kikongo: A Short Survey of Similitudes

                       Contribution to Peace and Understanding in the Region


I. Background

As a result of the continuous unrest in Eastern DRC, caused in part by rebellions originating from Rwanda, a strong resentment now exits between DRC citizens and Rwandans. It is common to register complaints from Rwandan authorities pointing to discrimination against Kinyarwanda (Rwanda language) speakers in the DRC. Some bloggers in Rwanda go as far as suggesting that Eastern DRC is culturally closer to Rwanda and should be part of this latter. Is there any truth to those claims? How far apart are the languages spoken in Rwanda and DRC? Could a common heritage between the languages spoken in both countries suggest a more unified population than presented by politicians?                                                                  

This post, from an Engineer who is not a linguist, examines some striking similitudes between Kinyarwanda and Kikongo languages, spoken respectively in Rwanda and Western DR Congo. The piece is not intended to be a comprehensive and comparative study of both languages but a glimpse of the common heritage in both communication vehicles. The choice of a Western DRC language is intentional and aims to support wider links not only with the Eastern DRC but  also with Western DRC. In highlighting those similarities, the author hopes to contribute to a better understanding between our people and put to rest false claims and perceptions from the enemies of peace in both countries and in the Great Lakes region in general.



II. Brief  Comparison 

The survey of similitudes between Kikongo(KKG) and Kinyarwanda (KYR) will look into a few words (Table 1), the rules of formation of the plural of nouns (Table 2) as well as  numbering      (Table 3) accompanied by french (FRE) and english (ENG) translations.



Table 1: Comparison of words and verbs

ENG                FRE                   KYR                      KKG    

To eat             Manger               Kurya                     Kudia
Tongue           Langue                Indimi                     Ludimi
Breasts           Seins                  Amabere                 Mabele
Bad                 Mal                    Amabi                     Mbi
Human            Humain               Umuntu                   Muntu
What               Quoi                   Iki                          Inki
Money            Argent                Amafaranga            Falanga (Mbongo)
To open          Ouvrir                Fungura                  Kangula
Clean(ed)        Laver                 Usukurwa               Sukula
To drink          Boire                  Kunywa                 Kunwa
Water              Eau                     Amazi                    Maza (Masa)
Oil                  Huile                  Amavuta                 Mafuta
Meat               Viande                Inyama                    Nyama
Onion              Onion                 Ibitungura               Ditungulu
Pineapple        Anana                 Inanasi                   Nanasi 
Doctor             Docteur              Umuganga               Munganga
After                Apres                 Nyuma                    Nima




Table 2: Examples of plural formation


                            ENG              FRE                  KYR                    KKG  

SINGULAR        Child              Enfant                Umwana              Mwana

PLURAL            Children          Enfants              Abana                  Bana

SINGULAR        Human             Human              Umuntu                Muntu

PLURAL            Humans            Humains           Abantu                 Bantu



Table 3: Numbering survey

 ENG              FRE                KYR               KKG

 Three             Trois                Batatu              Tatu
 Five               Cinq                 Batanu             Tanu
 Eight              Huit                  Umunani          Nana
 Ten                 Dix                   Icumi               Kumi


III. Conclusions

The brief survey, performed by a lay person, suggests a common heritage between Kinyarwanda and Kikongo languages. A common heritage between languages in Rwanda and Western DRC is an indication of closeness of those populations despite their apparent geographic distance.
In addition to the already known and emphasized cultural proximity to the people of Eastern Congo, this modest survey suggests much wider links and relations between the people of  DR Congo and Rwanda. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to deepen the understanding of this proximity in languages and in other cultural aspects.
The political and military elite, the maffia and the enemies of peace between the people of those two countries should stop waging unnecessary wars and promote peace and tranquility instead. More than anything else, the populations of those neighbouring countries need peace to focus on their development and well being in their respective countries.