The importance of local language in Mauritius

Cheryl

Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

Port Louis, Port Louis

Cheryl

24 May 2023 09:32:27

10736

Cheryl

24 May 2023 09:32:27

10736

Port Louis, Port Louis

Hey everyone,

As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We're curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Mauritius.

Here are some questions to get started:

What is the local language spoken in Mauritius? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

Are there any resources or services available to help expats learn the local language? What are your tips?

What is the dominant language in the business environment? Have you had to conduct business meetings in the local language?

How does language proficiency contribute to understanding the local culture? Are there any specific cultural nuances or expressions that expats should be aware of?

How important is the local language for daily tasks such as shopping, transport, health and other services in Mauritius?

Let's share tips and advice on how to improve language skills and integrate into a new environment.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

xguimard

New member

Member since 18 January 2023

xguimard

31 May 2023 17:46:06

xguimard

31 May 2023 17:46:06

Hi,

a very large part of Mauritian people speaks Mauritian Creole, English and French, so many expats don't learn Creole.

Illustration with Radio+: most programs are broadcast in Creole, advertisements mainly in French and Creole and the newspaper is in English. The printed newspapers are written in French with articles or mentions in the 3 languages.

Part of Mauritian people think expats should learn Creole, and part of Mauritian people don't want to see the Creole continue to live...

gevan

New member

Member since 02 February 2013

goodlands

gevan

31 May 2023 19:24:24

gevan

31 May 2023 19:24:24

goodlands

Mauritians speak creole , write English and read French it's a unique island with this strange habit .you won't find much English to read bcoz it's read in French but very few officially write in French . The creole and English is more than enough .creole can be learned by surrounding yourself with Mauritians and Mimicking them ,it's fun .there are Very few words in creole -not a lot of vocabulary most of the verbs are direct French but you can make a modern version of using verbs in English it's ok too . French verbs are considered stylish to be noted here .

have nice day

ganapathy

freeking2k

Member

Member since 24 January 2022

freeking2k

12 June 2023 20:58:13

freeking2k

12 June 2023 20:58:13

This is a good development i will like to learn how to speak creole and French

Am really finding it difficult to communicate to some people hoping to get a good teacher here

Thanks

Bhavna

Team

Member since 01 June 2015

Quatre Bornes, Plaines Wilhems

Bhavna

13 June 2023 04:51:45

37099

Bhavna

13 June 2023 04:51:45

37099

Quatre Bornes, Plaines Wilhems

Hello Freeking2k,

Feel free to post an advert in the Language classes in Mauritius section of the website. You might get some offers.

All the best

Bhavna

AussieInMauritius

Active member

Member since 14 April 2023

AussieInMauritius

13 June 2023 06:01:27

AussieInMauritius

13 June 2023 06:01:27

I am Australian & Mauritian & sometimes I still cant find the words lol. I would be happy to start a little social group & teach you all creole so we can practice. Marie

Santoshsada

New member

Member since 05 February 2022

Santoshsada

14 June 2023 10:09:21

Santoshsada

14 June 2023 10:09:21

@Cheryl

Hello,

The main language spoken in Mauritius is Creole and French.

Though most of the population speaks English and Hindi.

I have managed to learn basic French, It is a bit tough as the accent and sound vary for people, and gets tough to understand what they say and mean.

The locals mix Creole and French while speaking and that causes some issues in understanding.

CLAP at St. Jean Road, Quatre Borne which teaches French to expats, below are the contact details.

CLAP Solutions Ltd.

3, Avenue des Glaieuls

3rd floor,

Nearby St. Jean Road Metro station,

Quatre Borne, Mauritius

Contact no. *** Aditya or Chrystel )

English and French is the business language across the segments, I have not had to conduct any meetings in the local language, it was English only always.

Though the preference is French locally.

Greeting people Bonjour when you meet and Bonne Journee when leaving is common.

It is good to know the basic words used locally when you go out shopping.

Learning Creole and French takes time and as long as you try the locals will understand and help you learn.

That is what I can say about my experience so far.

Thanks

Santosh Shetty

***

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