Basic Mauritian Creole

Summary

Mauritian Creole, primarily known as "Kreol Morisien," is a French-based creole language spoken predominantly in Mauritius. It reflects a blend of influences from the various groups that have settled in Mauritius over the centuries, including Africans, Indians, Europeans (mainly French), and Chinese. This course offers a simple introduction to the language with a focus on commonly used words and phrases that can be put to daily use. The emphasis is on correct pronunciation and comprehension of common phrases. The course targets A1 beginner level on the CEFR language scale.

The origins of Mauritian Creole trace back to the 18th century when Mauritius was a French colony. It developed primarily as a means of communication among enslaved Africans who were brought to the island to work on sugar plantations. These individuals, originating from various parts of Africa and speaking different languages, needed a common language to communicate with one another and with their French masters. Over time, this linguistic blend evolved into a stable creole language, heavily influenced by French in terms of vocabulary but unique in its grammar and syntax.

Today, Mauritian Creole is spoken by the majority of the island's population as a first language and serves as a marker of national identity. Although English and French are the official languages used in government, education, and business, Creole serves as the lingua franca across the diverse communities of the island.

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Known for its stunning beaches, lagoons, and reefs, the island has an important history as a colonial trade hub. Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968 and has since developed into one of Africa's most prosperous economies, based largely on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services.