Uwonkunda Sylvie Dushime
Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research is about the popular radio drama in Rwanda called Ikinamico. It explores the history, scripts, performance, and thematic intentions of Ikinamico such as family and community dynamics, peace building and reconciliation and other social issues. It also highlights world-building through sound effects, and its use of orality and the Kinyarwanda language.
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I grew up listening to ikinamico and loved every moment of it. However, I was particularly interested in doing this research because all episodes are created entirely in Kinyarwanda unlike other media productions in popular culture that are more prone to use French and English in Rwanda.
What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I majoring in Media studies and minoring in Africana Studies and this has encouraged an interdisciplinary approach to research.
Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Doing this research on “Ikinamico”, like any other research, honed my critical thinking, interdisciplinary understanding, interviewing skills, writing proficiency, (cultural awareness even if I am Rwandan), creativity, presentation skills, ethical considerations, and adaptability. But for this particular paper, I want to highlight that my English and Kinyarwanda vocabulary has been enriched. I have particularly learned it is important to assess and reassess methodology and identify flaws prior to the research. While doing my research in Kinyarwanda is exciting and my attempt to expand research on indigenous ways of knowing is valuable, it was very difficult to translate my findings. I am wondering if the paper would be better off written in Kinyarwanda.
Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Spend more time on methodologies because it determines the direction of your research and helps in doing justice the work that you are doing.
Here’s one of the episodes : https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/ikinamico-ubenga-iziko-ntarigwaho-arigwamo/id1532976765?i=1000508743834