Tutsi+-+CA+-+SP12

//Language// The Tutsi speak a Central Bantu language along with the Hutu, and Twa. The Bantu language covers two thirds of Africa south of the Sahara; spoken by two thirds of those people. The language is known as Kirundi. This language can be found in Rwanda and Burundi. Many Tuts also speak French because of their former Belgian rulers. Many Tutsi refugees have also been known to speak English in Uganda. The Tutsi are well experienced in all languages because after the war many Muslims sheltered both the Hutu and Tutsi as refugees. This expanded their language to be open to the Arabic language.

//Beliefs// The Tutsi’s religious beliefs usually consists of Christianity along with the god Imaana. They believe that this god could grant them wealth and fertility. Spirits are known to carry messages between humans and Imaana. These spirits were called the abazima. They try to discover the spirits’ wishes by visiting fortune tellers. People also offer gifts to protect themselves from the abazima.

//Behavior// The Tutsi peoples behavior is important because it reflects their lifestyle. They are known to herd cattle. This reflects how they provide food for themselves and how they make money. They also have a behavior of acting with power. Their neighbors, the Hutu's, do not get along with them because they have more of the economic and political control of the region. Consequentially, this caused the Tuts to be victims of genocide. Also, because of their high class

//Value// One of the greatest values to the Tutsis is cattle. Without them, they would have a completely different lifestyle. The cattle supply their food, and when they sell it, money. Along with cattle, they value power. They claim power makes you rich. The Tutsis do all they can to have power over their neighbors, and to have power in their government. They also value independence. The Tutsis don’t like being involved with their neighbors or anyone else. They have that independence to live by what they want, and their own rules. Lastly, they value tradition. The Tutsis are known for arts and dance, and that tradition is very important to them.

Impact of cultural changes

//Travel// The Rwanda genocide may be the most intensive in history. During this time, the Tutsi people tried to flee their country. Many did not, but the few who did brought back new culture. Many Muslim’s sheltered refugees and over that time the Tutsi people learned and converted to the Islamic religion. Many Tutsis beliefs were said to be inspired through missionaries in the 19th century. Through the traveling of the missionaries, they each shared their own culture and religion to inspire new things.

//Technology// The Tutsi was far behind in technological advancements before the genocide occurred. Since then they have advanced in all aspects of technology. Their homes used to be built out of wood, reeds, and straw. Today they have improved their building structures through the use of Western-style building materials. They have also modernized their clothing as they have adapted to the Western-style of dressing.

//Commercialization// The Tutsis live in a country that is landlocked, with no railroads. Their out of the country traveling has also declined. Hence why, their main source of commercialization is through importing and exporting goods. The Tutsis export the most of coffee, tea, and agricultural exports. Goods are exported all over the world; while the fewer imports are still used to range their culture.



PRIMARY SOURCES

"Burundi Voices - Testimonies." Burundi Voices - Home. Web. 24

Jan. 2012. < [] >.

This story and interview was important because it is told through someone who was a victim in the Rwanda genocide, like the Tutsi’s. From the genocide the Tutsi people gained their newer independence and new findings of culture; and this provides insight on where they are coming from.

This picture explains how the Tutsis became refugees after the genocide. It gives us an actual look at how much the Tutsis suffered.
PRINT SOURCE

Shane, Scott. "Articles about Tutsi - Baltimore Sun." Featured Articles From The Baltimore Sun. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. .

These articles were important because it took coverage on more information about the genocide and the impact it had on the Tutsi’s. It gives an understanding about what the Tutsis went through, how the Tutsis recovered, and what affect this now had on their lives.

OTHER SOURCES "BBC NEWS | Africa | Rwanda: How the genocide happened." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. [|.] This source was important because it told us about why the genocide happened. The genocide was important because it was the biggest cultural changes of the Tutsi since many of them converted to Islam after becoming refugees.

"Burundi Voices - Testimonies." Burundi Voices - Home. Web. 24 Jan. 2012.

< [] >. This source was important because it had every defining detail on the Tutsis. Needed information on any topic was mostly answered here.

"Culture of Burundi - History, People, Clothing, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family,  Social." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. < [] >. This document was important because it developed the details of the Tutsis. It made clear their value of power, and their economic and political control of the region.

Johnson, Bridget. "Tutsis and Hutus - Why There Is Conflict Between Tutsis and Hutus." World News - About World News from Bridget Johnson. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. [|.] This source is important because it helped us determine why the Tutsi are so independent of the Hutu and Twa. This shows how they value their own tribe over others.

"PEOPLE OF AFRICA - The Diversity of African People | African Race | Real Africa."AFRICAN HOLOCAUST | Definitive African History and Cultural Site. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. < [] >. This document was important because it really narrowed in on the story of the Tutsis. It gave an explanation as to how their travel made a cultural change.

"The Tutsis: The “Jews” of Africa | The Economist." The Economist World News, Politics, Economics, Business & Finance. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. < [] >. This source was important because it gave a feel for the background of the Tutsis. Their past and present lifestyle behaviors are made clear.

"Tutsi, Hutu and Hima – Cultural Background in Rwanda." Dr. Orville Jenkins – Thoughts and Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2012. [|.] This source was important because it gave us cultural background about Rwanda. It also gave us a different perspective on the topic.