Creole language gains official recognition in Saint-Paul and TO

The commune of Saint-Paul and the Territoire de l'Ouest (TO) in Reunion have launched an initiative to allow citizens to use Creole as well as French in public services, treating both languages equally. This follows a major cultural event in Martinique, where singer Meryl performed at the Accor Arena on October 26 and 27, singing in both languages.

Creole as a cultural and linguistic symbol

Creole is a language that is central to the identity of many Martinicans but has struggled to gain official recognition. While French remains the official language, Creole is the mother tongue and daily language for most Martinicans. According to the online cultural media Adelphite, more than 20,000 people sang in Creole at the event, a language once suppressed by the French school system.

Bilingual charter signed by Saint-Paul and TO

The commune of Saint-Paul launched the initiative "Sin Pol i koz Kréol" on October 27, and the TO joined with the signing of a bilingual Creole-French charter. This brings the two collectivities into the list of those who have already signed the document. The recognition of Creole has been a long-standing issue, with efforts gradually leading to the possibility of studying Reunionnais Creole in high schools.

Progress and challenges in Creole education

In May of last year, the Minister of Education, Édouard Geffray, announced for the first time the possibility for students who followed their specialization in a regional language to take the baccalaureate in that same language. However, the measure is still far from being implemented due to lack of resources and students involved in the program. Nevertheless, the measure was welcomed as a step forward in the recognition of regional languages, including Reunionnais Creole.

Local associations push for Creole recognition

The charter of Lofis la lang kréol La Rényon has been a key focus for certain associations, such as Lofis la lang kréol La Rényon, chaired by Axel Gauvin. The association's objectives include allowing every Reunionnais from the commune or collectivity to feel better in their identity. Collectivities have the choice in the writing of Creole, and the idea is also to offer elected officials the possibility of speaking in their language for greater ease.

Bilingual signage adopted in Saint-Paul

On October 27, at the Leconte-de-Lisle media library, the commune, represented by its mayor Emmanuel Séraphin, celebrated the adoption of bilingual signage "Tèr la n' i koz kréol et français." This allows residents of Saint-Paul to express themselves in Creole as well as in French in their exchanges with the administration. The possibility will be visible through panels within the counters and municipal reception centers.

Training and events to support Creole use

The City will organize training sessions for municipal staff and elected officials on the application of the bilingual French-Creole charter adopted in 2010 and on the weddings celebrated in Creole. The idea is also to better publicize, in the application forms, the possibility of performing a wedding or a baptism in Creole. The adoption of this new signage will be accompanied by new events around Reunionnais identity and Creole identity.

New educational content in Creole

In the educational field, the Canopé teacher training network announced new educational content in Creole on October 28, the International Day of Creole Language and Culture. Five new pedagogical videos of the Fundamentals translated and dubbed in Reunionnais Creole will be available, including three new episodes of the series Latansion: koman i marsh sa? and two new episodes of Lo sans la divizion. The videos are aimed at students in the elementary school network.