An Exposition of the Provision and Use of English as a Second Language in Rwandan Schools: An Analysis through Cultural Reproduction Theory Lens

This study seeks to identify issues of concern, suggest problem-solving solutions and add literature to cultural reproduction in African schools by problematising the relationship between student background and linguistic competence in Rwanda’s Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). It delves into the relationship between English language learning and equitable education of rural and urban learners with a special outlook on the reproduction of social class using linguistic capital. The cultural reproduction theory by Bourdieu is used as the runway to explain the replication of social disparities through language education in teacher training colleges in Rwanda. Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyse data. The paper unravels the complexities of cultural reproduction through language education and how it affects rural students more than urban students. The study found that the challenges that surround English language provision and use in schools in Rwanda may end up fostering cultural reproduction if not attended to. The study concludes by suggesting possible solutions dabbed as recommendations. © 2024, Adonis and Abbey Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.