Seychellois language
The Republic of Seychelles is a group of 115 islands located in East Africa, whose capital is Victoria. It has a population of almost 100,000 inhabitants (195º) and an area of 459 km 2 (181º). Its human development index is high (62nd) and its official currency is the Seychelles rupee. But what language is spoken in the Seychelles?
What language do they speak in Seychelles?
The Seychelles Islands have 3 official languages:
- Seychellois Creole, spoken by 87.8% of the population.
- French , which is spoken by 54.7% of its inhabitants.
- English , spoken by 37.9% of Seychellois.
The Seychellois Creole language
Seychellois Creole (seselwa ) is a creole language, based on French, spoken by the majority of the population. It arose from the slaves when they tried to communicate with the French settlers. In 1976 the government of the islands created the “Lenstiti Kreol” institute, to develop the language and standardize the spelling and grammar of the Creole language. The definite article (in French le, la and les) is joined to the following word: for example, “the future” in French is l’avenir and in Seychellois Creole is lavenir.
The French language
French (français) is the language spoken as a legacy of the French occupation during the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to its similarity to Seychellois Creole, it enjoys a certain popularity.
The English language
English (English ) is the language spoken as a legacy of the British colonial era. Despite being the least spoken of the three official languages, it is the one used in formal communications, such as in the drafting of legal documents, in judicial proceedings or in parliamentary proceedings. It is also commonly used in the business world, as well as in most print and electronic media.
Share what languages are spoken in the Seychelles.