Pronunciation: [hˈuːtuː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Hutu" is fairly straightforward, as it is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. The IPA phonetic transcription of "Hutu" is /ˈhuːtuː/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced like "hue" or "who," while the second syllable is pronounced like "too." The word refers to a Bantu ethnic group in Rwanda and Burundi, and it is important to spell it correctly out of respect for those who identify with this group.
The term "Hutu" refers to an ethnic group primarily residing in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. Hutus are one of the major ethnic groups in Rwanda, along with the Tutsis and Twa. They also have a significant presence in neighboring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hutus are primarily an agricultural community, with farming as their primary occupation. They have their own distinct language, also called Hutu, which belongs to the Bantu language family. Historically, Hutus have lived in a hierarchical society, with a strong emphasis on clans and extended families. Traditionally, their social structure has revolved around agricultural practices and familial ties, with permeable boundaries between clans.
The term "Hutu" gained international attention during the Rwandan genocide in 1994 when the country witnessed an extreme wave of violence and mass killings. The conflict arose from longstanding tensions and power struggles between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. Hutus were predominantly portrayed as the perpetrators of the genocide, leading to the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of lives in a short span of time.
It is important to note that the dictionary definition of "Hutu" should not be limited to the events surrounding the genocide. Rather, it should highlight their ethnic identity, cultural practices, language, and historical significance, keeping in mind their role in the larger picture of Central African history and society.
The word "Hutu" is believed to have originated from the Bantu language family, specifically from the Kinyarwanda language. It is derived from the Bantu root word "bahutu" or "bahutuza", which roughly translates to "those who cultivate the land".
The Hutu are an ethnic group primarily found in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Traditionally, they were predominantly agriculturalists and farmers, hence the association with cultivating the land.
It is important to note that the etymology of the word is specific to the Hutu people and does not extend to the broader Bantu-speaking population across Africa.
