Introduction of Mauritian Creole in National Assembly: UoM presents Inter-Institutional Research Report

In the context of International Mother Language Day, observed annually on 21 February, the University of Mauritius (UoM), in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), hosted, today at the UoM in Réduit, the presentation of the report on the Inter-Institutional Research Project on the Introduction of Mauritian Creole in Parliament and Other Institutions – Promoting Institutional Democracy through Language Access in Mauritian Creole and Digital Innovation.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra; the Permanent Delegate of Mauritius to UNESCO, Ms Jasmine Toulouse-Olivier; the Commissioner of the HEC, Professor Romeela Mohee; the President of the Creole Speaking Union, Professor Arnaud Carpooran; the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, Professor Mohammad Issack Santally; along with other members of the academic and parliamentary community.

In her address, the Speaker emphasised the significance of introducing Creole in Parliament, noting that an internal committee is examining the proposal and that consultations are ongoing to ensure alignment with parliamentary procedures. She recalled that around 90% of the population understand Creole and expressed hope that, following the submission of an interim report to the Prime Minister in December 2025, the language could be formally introduced by the end of the year.

For her part, Ms Jasmine Toulouse-Olivier emphasised the unifying role of Mauritian Creole in a multilingual society and stressed the need to promote the language through the education system, including the use of digital tools for early childhood learning, to foster inclusion and strengthen cultural identity.

Professor Romeela Mohee highlighted the sustained research and inter-institutional collaboration led by Professor Carpooran’s team, noting key outputs such as a comprehensive Creole dictionary, specialised terminologies and AI-based accessibility solutions, as well as the broader national impact of the project.

As for Professor Carpooran, he explained that the initiative stemmed from parliamentary debates in 2020 and involves structured, multidisciplinary work, including the development of parliamentary and administrative registers and digital tools to ensure that Creole is accessible and respected within official institutions.

Professor Santally reaffirmed the University’s commitment to providing research, technical expertise and collaborative support to facilitate the successful introduction of Mauritian Creole in Parliament and other institutions.

27 February 2026

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