A socio-linguistic analysis of the creolisation of Hindi and Bhojpuri languages in Mauritius.

Abstract

Mauritius is located at a crucial junction between Africa and Asia, facilitating connections to Europe from Asia. During the colonial era, the Cape of Good Hope was a significant commercial route. The creolisation of Indian languages in Mauritius is a multifaceted socio-linguistic phenomenon shaped by historical migration, colonial governance, and cultural assimilation. The introduction of Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century introduced languages such as Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, and other Indian languages into the Mauritian linguistic landscape. Throughout the centuries, these languages amalgamated with Creole, French, and English, the island's predominant languages, yielding hybrid forms affected by African, European, and Indian linguistic components. This creolisation signifies both linguistic and cultural adaptability, as Indian-origin communities navigated the preservation of ancestral identity and assimilation into Mauritian society. Currently, the creolised forms of these languages display streamlined syntax, blended vocabulary, and phonetic modifications, fostering a distinct Mauritian linguistic identity. This process demonstrates how language functions as a dynamic symbol of cultural amalgamation, highlighting the tenacity and adaptability of diasporic people within a multicultural society.