The origins of Creole

Créole is a french term which is used to describe a person whose native language is Creole. Creole is spoken today in: Martinique, Guadeloupe ,Guyane, Haiti, parts of Louisana, Domanica, St Luica, Grenada and Trinidad as well as the Indian Ocean Islands of Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues and the Seychelles.

The origins of the African version of the Creole language was a result of the meeting of the French colony and slaves from West Africa in the 17th and 18th Century. 

In Africa the English word Creole drives from French Créole which in turn is a Portuguese crioulo- (Crioulo, one of the oldest of the Portuguese creole languages, is by far the most widely spoken). The word was derived in the 15th Century in the trading and military posts established by the Portuguese in West Africa and Cape Verde. Originally the term would have referred to the descendants of the Portuguese settlers who were born and raised locally in the outposts. The word then spread to other languages. The Creole term would originally have been used primary for European descents but eventually it was dominated by numerous people of mixed Portuguese and African Origin.

Seychelles Islands Flag

The Seychelles Islands has 3 Official National Languages namely that of Creole ( or Kreol or Seselwa), French and English. The Creole language in the Seychelles holds high esteem unlike that of its neighbouring country of Mauritius as Seychelles acknowledges Creole as an official language.

Creole is spoken by approximately 94% of the Seychelles Population while English and French are also widely spoken and written. The local Seychelles Newspaper providing the latest news on the Seychelles called The Nation would be one publication that is written in English and Creole. Creole is taught in the public schools and more and more literature and poetry are now being published in Creole. English remains the language used in government and commerce.
Why not learn some of the famous Creole Sayings before your Holiday in the Seychelles. Enjoy our Creole Sayings Blog for your Seychelles Vacation.

Chalets d' Anse Forbans offers Seychelles Affordable Budget Accommodation on the Island Of Mahe. These Seychelles Self Catering Chalets are located on the secluded beach of Anse Forbans. All Chalets are fully equipped  and have easy and direct access to the beach. Book your Seychelles Vacation Apartment with Chalets d' Anse Forbans.