Language in Burundi

Kirundi is spoken almost throughout Burundi and is used by Hutu, Tutsi and Twa communities. More than 95% of pupils speak Kirundi. Twa varieties differ slightly but remain mutually understandable with other Kirundi varieties. Kirundi uses the Latin script. The Académie Rundi has operated since 2020 or 2021 and works on protection, promotion, research, teaching, written works and the codification of language norms for Burundi and the diaspora. No current orthography law was verified. Kirundi is also related to Kinyarwanda and Ha within a cross-border language continuum. The Constitution of 2018 identifies Kirundi as the national language and allows additional official languages to be established by law. Law No. 1/31 of 3 November 2014 lists Kirundi, French and English as official languages. Some public country profiles mention only Kirundi and French, so the 2014 law is the stronger reference for the legal status of English. Kiswahili is widely relevant for regional communication, trade and East African and Great Lakes cooperation, but it does not have the same official status for state administration and courts. Glottological listings also mention Burundi Sign Language, Kinyarwanda, Ha, Hangaza, Shubi, Shi, Fuliiru and Burundi Pidgin French, but their local reach and institutional use are not sufficiently documented to establish a national minority-language system. Kirundi, French and English may be used in legislation, courts and public administration. Legal texts have an original Kirundi version. Public meetings and national addresses use Kirundi, while signs and labels should be understandable in Kirundi and/or another official language. The administration received a three-year implementation period from the 2014 law. There is no language test or registration requirement for using a language in Burundi, but practical access depends on the institution, available staff and the situation. In court, a national or legal entity may choose one of the official languages. The judgment is issued in an official language, and a translation into another official language can be requested; the law does not specify a translation fee. Education uses Kirundi, French, English and Kiswahili as language subjects. Kirundi and French are introduced from the first school year. Kirundi is used in the first and second cycles, mathematics shifts to French from the fourth year, and French becomes the teaching language from the third cycle, with specified exceptions for entrepreneurship, humanities, arts and physical education that may remain in Kirundi. English begins in the third year and Kiswahili in the fifth year, with the system introduced progressively from the 2019–2020 school year. This transition can affect access to learning, especially when a pupil's strongest language differs from the language used for instruction. French remains widely used in formal administration, justice, education, science and official web communication. English is legally official and increasingly useful for East African cooperation, although its practical reach has not been quantified. RTNB, the national radio, television and web platform, has nationwide reach; its current website is mainly in French but also publishes Kirundi titles and contributions. Public media, community radio, television and print support the transmission of language and oral heritage. Kirundi carries oral traditions, poetry, tales, proverbs and songs. The Royal Drum Ritual combines heroic poetry and traditional songs at national and local celebrations and supports social cohesion, including through the participation of Batwa cultural actors. Relevant institutions include the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, its culture directorate, CEBULAC, the National Ballet, the National Library Centre for Oral Traditions, the Musée National de Gitega, the University of Burundi, the Académie Rundi and RTNB. Kirundi therefore presents the lowest language barrier for national public participation, while unequal competence in French and English can create barriers in education and institutions. No language fee is stated in the reviewed law, and school-related language access follows the relevant school year and grade.