Learning Mauritian creole: a guide for new learners (updated)

Learning a new language can be an exciting adventure, and my recent experience with Mauritian Kreol has been nothing short of that. As I’ve just started my journey a few weeks ago, I wanted to share some of my findings and tips for anyone else who might be considering it too.

Is it necessary to learn Mauritian Kreol?

English and French are widely spoken in Mauritius, so you don’t really need to learn Mauritian creole if you know any of those languages or both. However, I believe that diving into Kreol unlocks a deeper level of connection and cultural immersion.

After living here for three years, I’ve realized that even with French and English, there are times when a language barrier makes things a little difficult. Kreol is the most widely spoken language on the island, and using it—whether it’s at the supermarket, with artisans, or just in everyday chats—leads to more authentic interactions.

If you’ve decided to make Mauritius your home for the foreseeable future, just like me, I believe that learning creole will allow you to feel a stronger sense of belonging and truly connect with the community around you. Plus, it’s a fun language to learn!

How difficult is it?

For a French speaker, the good news is that Mauritian Kreol is relatively easy and fun to learn. A lot of the vocabulary is derived from French, so you’ll find yourself recognizing words and patterns quickly. This foundation makes the learning process feel more like an extension of what you already know, rather than starting from scratch.

However, if you’re an English speaker with no French background, the journey will be a bit more challenging. The good news is that the grammatical structure is much simpler than French and often feels more intuitive to an English speaker. For example, verbs aren’t conjugated in the same way, making it easier to form sentences once you have the vocabulary. It’s a language with a very simple and logical syntax, which helps a lot with the learning process.

A little bit of history

Mauritian Kreol is a French-based creole language. It developed from the interactions between French colonists and the enslaved people they brought from Africa and Madagascar. This unique history gives it a distinct character. While it shares some similarities with other creoles, like those in Seychelles and Réunion, its specific history and cultural influences make it unique.

How to start your learning journey?

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways you can learn, along with some great resources I’ve found along the way:

Books: You’ll definitely find some books at the book stores, supermarkets and local boutiques. I’m using “Guide de conversation Assimil – Créole Mauricien“. This one is for French-speaking learners. It’s a very small book but a good way to get started and build the foundation, with one lesson per day. There are likely other books available, so keep an eye out!
Apps: A fantastic, fun, and modern way to learn if you are an English speaker is with the app Kreolingo. It was recently shared in a Frolic chat, and it’s a great tool that feels a lot like Duolingo, making it really engaging.
YouTube videos: YouTube is a great place to learn by listening. Channels like “Learn Mauritian Creole” (though it’s not been active lately) and “Mauritius Island Official” offer basic lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and common phrases. This is a great way to learn the basics, improve your pronunciation and get used to the rhythm of the language.
Teachers: For a more structured approach, you can sign up for a course. There are not so many teachers, from what I know, but here are two solid options:

I’ve been recommended Almelie, a 22 years-old passionate teacher who believes in preserving Mauritian heritage through language. A university student herself, she offers Mauritian Kreol lessons to help learners of all ages embrace their cultural identity. She offers small group sessions (up to 6 students) on Mondays and Saturdays from 2 PM to 3 PM for Rs 1200 per month. For those who prefer a more personalized experience, she also provides one-on-one sessions at a rate of Rs 1800 per month with flexible scheduling. You can reach her directly via WhatsApp at 59349949 or email at gateau1201@icloud.com
For French speaking people, The Institut Français de Maurice is offering cycles of Mauritian Creole courses led by Jeannot Nadal, open to all levels. Through 8 interactive sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of the language, improve their spoken fluency, and explore the cultural richness of Mauritian Creole. The classes take place every Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Institut Français de Maurice. Price: 4800 Rs. Check the “workshops” section on their website to find out when is the next cycle and register.
Music: I absolutely love to listen to Kreol songs. I listen to a song, then use Google Translate to get an idea of the meaning, which helps me learn new words and phrases in a fun and memorable way. This works well in complementarity to the book which gives me the basics in grammar, and the book which gives me more vocabulary. My favorite singer is Annega who sings both in English and in Kreol, and I also recommend checking out Manu Desroches, who we were lucky enough to have at one of our meetups!
Embrace everyday immersion: Since you’re living in Mauritius, the best classroom is the world around you. Try to consciously use the language in daily interactions, even if it’s just a simple “Bonzour” at the local shop or asking for the price of something in Kreol at the market. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—most Mauritians will be delighted by your effort and will happily help you.

I hope this guide helps you get started on your own Mauritian Kreol adventure! It’s a beautiful language that truly enriches the experience of living on this incredible island.