Language of Seychelles

Creole, the mother tongue of 94 percent of the Republic of Seychelles in 1990, was adopted as the first official language of the nation in 1981. English and French are also widely spoken in this island country.

By increasing emphasis on Creole, the government hopes to establish a distinct indigenous culture and heritage. This unique tongue of Seychelles evolved from the dialects of southwest France spoken by the original French settlers. Creole is essentially a mix of French and Malagasy, Bantu, English, & Hindi words; the syntax is Bantu and French-centric and the language does betray Arabic & Swahili influences.

Creole is one of the greatest unifying forces in Seychelles. The government-backed Kreol Institute promotes the use of the local language by sponsoring literary competitions, giving instruction in translation, and preparing course material to teach Creole to foreigners. It has also compiled a dictionary of Creole words.

More than one-third of Seychellois can speak English, which is the language of government and commerce. It is the lingua franca of the People's Assembly, although speakers are permitted to communicate in Creole and French as well. The principal journals carry articles in all three languages.

French is used by the elite. It is the language of the Roman Catholic Church and is utilized by older people in correspondence and on formal occasions. Some 40 percent of televised programmes are in French and most Seychellois can speak and grasp the language.