Understand who speaks what and in which context: Creole at home, English in parliament, French in the media. Discover the languages spoken in Mauritius.
The language spoken in Mauritius on a daily basis is Mauritian Creole: 90% of residents report it as the only language spoken at home. English dominates the National Assembly and the administration, while French prevails in the media and social life. Yet no national official language is designated in the Constitution. Our teams at Legend Hill, a 5-star hotel in Mauritius, speak French, English and Creole. Here is an overview of who speaks what, in which context, and the useful words to know before you travel.
Mauritian Creole, or Kreol Morisien, is central to everyday life on the island. It is spoken across communities, generations and social backgrounds.
The language developed from a French lexical base, enriched by African, Malagasy and Indian influences during the period of slavery. French speakers can therefore recognise some words and expressions from the very first hours of their stay. Kreol Morisien now has a standardised writing system and is included in primary school curricula, reflecting its growing institutional recognition.
This is the point that surprises many travellers: the Mauritian Constitution does not designate an official language for the Republic. Section 49 only states that English is the working language of the National Assembly, while allowing members of Parliament to address the Speaker in French. English therefore plays a major role in legislation, administration and much of the education system.
French occupies a different space. It dominates the written press, radio, television, advertising and conversations between communities. This linguistic balance explains why French speakers can get by easily on the island, including well beyond the main tourist areas.
Our teams at Legend Hill reflect this multilingual environment every day. Our concierge and reception teams speak French, English and Mauritian Creole, while some members of staff also speak Hindi. This linguistic flexibility is part of everyday life in Mauritius: people naturally switch from one language to another during the same conversation.
Beyond the trio of Creole, French and English, Mauritius preserves a linguistic heritage shaped by migration waves during the 19th century. Bhojpuri, an Indo-Aryan language brought by indentured workers from northern India, ranks second among household languages, with 5.1% of residents.
Other languages remain widely used, particularly in religious and educational settings. Primary schools offer several ancestral languages, chosen by families according to their heritage:
This heritage runs through the whole history of Mauritius, built on successive waves of arrivals.
French is sufficient in the vast majority of situations: accommodation, restaurants, shops, taxis and tourist attractions. English takes over for administrative procedures and official documents. As for Creole, learning a few words can immediately open doors and bring smiles.
Here are some expressions that are particularly useful in everyday situations:
Our French-speaking guests are often surprised to find themselves understanding bits of Creole as early as their second day. We encourage them to give it a try: just two words can completely change the quality of an interaction.
Would you like to discover Mauritius through the people who bring the island to life? Book your stay at Legend Hill: our Mauritian teams welcome you in French, English and Creole and are always happy to share their favourite local recommendations.
Fancy a stay close to everyday Mauritian life?
Method: the shares of languages spoken at home come from the population census published by Statistics Mauritius, the status of English and French was verified in the Constitution via the National Assembly of Mauritius, and everyday usage and Creole expressions were supplied by Legend Hill's Mauritian teams, verified in August 2026. The proportions shift from one census to the next.
Avi Rumjansing entered Mauritian hospitality in 2002 as a cashier at Indian Resort. Twenty years later, after Les Pavillons, the Mövenpick and fifteen years at Aanari Hotel & Spa as Front Office then Operations Manager, he runs the front desk at Legend Hill. He holds a BSc in Management from the Open University of Mauritius, and he is the one guests ask when to set off for the tea route.
La Plantation Marguery
Black River Mauritius
Tel : +230 5509 8168
reservations@legendhill-mauritius.com