top of page

Language Development: Preserving and Promoting Kinyamulenge

Banyamulenge loves God and gathers often to pray, worship, and memorize Bible verses. The team of KB&L envisions a great spiritual and cultural revival that will bring Banyamulenge together with a strong identity in Christ!

Literacy Initiative

​

Why literacy? Isn’t it enough to just speak and understand Kinyamulenge? Why do we need to know how to read and write our language?

​

Language is a vital part of identity! In our world of constant change and influence from every angle, we must intentionally utilize every means possible to preserve who we are, who God created us to be.

​

God loves our unique identity. He created us in His image. And people from every nation, tongue, tribe, and language will be represented before His throne (Revelation 7:9). That means that our language, Kinyamulenge, is important to God!

​

Research shows that without literacy, languages are in danger of decline. This diagram from SIL International (2015) illustrates this point:

Screenshot 2025-04-01 183350.png

Looking at the diagram, Kinyamulenge is at a level 6a or 6b on the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS), developed by Lewis and Simons (2010)  

​

Promoting Kinyamulenge is important. The language skills of reading and writing are required to move the language “up the mountain.” Doing nothing would allow gravity to send it into a slide down the mountain.

​

Thankfully, the team of KB&L is at work promoting literacy among Banyamulenge! Under the leadership of Denise Dickens, Pioneer Bible literacy specialist, the KB&L team has developed Kinyamulenge materials, designed to equip people to read scripture in their language and to have their lives transformed by God’s Word. The Digital Library provides free access to Kinyamulenge materials that have been published by KB&L and other Banyamulenge groups.

Additional literacy materials are on the horizon, with the plan to develop a full Kinyamulenge library. We hope to collaborate with Banyamulenge around the world to see these ideas and more become a reality:

  • Complete Kinyamulenge Bible

  • History of Banyamulenge heroes and events

  • Children’s books

  • Sunday school materials

  • Translation of Pilgrim’s Progress

  • Original Banyamulenge stories

  • Comprehensive grammar guide

  • Poetry

  • Songs

What ideas would you add to the list? We would love to hear from you. Contact us!

Language Promotion and Preservation

1. Grammar & Linguistic Structure

 

The foundation of the Kinyamulenge language lies in its unique grammar and phonetics. Pioneering works such as Urufkabi, the first grammar and phonetics guide by Victor Mikebanyi, have provided a structured understanding of the language. Efforts to refine and standardize the language ensure that its richness is preserved for future generations. Our team is continuously working to address challenges in grammar and expand the understanding of this beautiful language.

2. Learning Resources

 

To promote the learning and use of Kinyamulenge, we have developed accessible resources for everyone:

  • Igitabo c’urufkabi rgw’Ikinyamulenge: Clear photos and a bilingual text make this book a valuable resource for adults and young people familiarize themselves with the Kinyamulenge alphabet.

  • Igitabo ca mbere co Kwiga Gusoma no Kwandika Ikinyamulenge: Beginning with familiar aspects of written Kinyamulenge then tackling new elements, this book takes the serious learner deeper into reading and writing in Kinyamulenge.

  • Kumenya Imana Dusenga, Dusoma no Kwiga Bibiriya: A series of three books retell familiar Banyamulenge stories of faith and then connect our spiritual hunger with Scripture study.

  • Bible Resources in Kinyamulenge: Books of the Bible, including Luke and Acts, equip you to study the language while deepening your faith.

​These resources and more are available on our Digital Library to support both native speakers and language enthusiasts worldwide.

3. Community Involvement & Activities

 

Language development thrives when the community is actively involved. KB&L organizes the following activities:

  • Workshops and Seminars: Events that engage Kinyamulenge speakers of all ages, gathering their insights on language and translation projects.

  • Community Checks: Collaborative discussions to ensure that the Kinyamulenge language remains relevant and culturally accurate.

  • Capacity Building Programs: Training sessions for literacy workers and publication software to empower the next generation of leaders in language development.

 

We believe that the Banyamulenge community plays a central role in guiding the development of their language and preserving its heritage for the future.

4. Cultural & Historical Context

 

The Kinyamulenge language is more than just words; it is a vital part of the Banyamulenge identity. Rooted in a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, it unites the community and provides a medium to pass down traditions, stories, and faith. 

​

​The work we do to promote Kinyamulenge is about more than just preserving a language—it’s about keeping alive the stories, beliefs, and spirit of a people.

bottom of page