CREOLE
Mauritius appeared on Arab maritime charts as early as the seventh century. However, the island remained uninhabited September 1598 when the Dutch occupied the island. Dutch admiral van Warwyck named the island Mauritius in honour of Prince Maurice of Nassau. In 1710, after two settlement attempts, the Dutch abandoned the island. Mauritius was claimed for France in 1715 by Guillaume Dufresne d'Arsel and he changed the name to Isle de France. Britain captured the island in 1810 and banned all slavery. Mauritius was administered by Britain until independence in 1968.
Creoles are mostly descendants of West and East African slaves brought to the island by the early French settlers. Descendants of intermarriage in Mauritius are also called Creoles. Mauritian society seems to follow a caste system based on skin colour: lighter skinned Creoles have had more educational opportunities than the darker skinned Creoles. Lighter skinned Creoles tend to work in commerce and the professions.
Creole is spoken by 90% of the island's population. It was developed in the 18th century by slaves who used it as a pidgin language to communicate with each other. They also used this pidgin language to communicate with their French masters who did not understand the various African languages. Creole later evolved to become a useful, casual language.
The people are family orientated and are very religious. Being optimistic, outgoing, and industrious, Creole people follow a relaxed attitude towards life. People are more important than schedules, thus it is not considered inappropriate to be late for an appointment.
The government sees the Roman Catholic church as the representative of all Christian denominations. In general, almost all Creoles are Christian. However, most Creoles are only nominal Christians."
- Country: Mauritius
- Population (Year): 1 172 000 (1995)
- Major Religion: Hindu
- Percent Christian: 32.7%
- Percent Evangelical: 6%
- Openness to missionaries: Open; however, visas are difficult to obtain"
1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?
In general, 90% of Creoles are Christian. This includes both true and nominal Christians.
2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?
Believers to population: 1 believer to every 1 person (total believers: 295 344)(90%)
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
Churches to population: 1 church for every 1 211 persons (total churches: 271)
4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
Work on the New Testament is in progress. The Gospel of Mark has been published.
5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?
Literacy Rate: 90%
Ethnic and religious loyalties hinder the furtherance of the gospel.
6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Radio: FEBA Radio broadcasts 12 hours per month in French
7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?
Yes, protestant churches are growing.
8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?
Yes, there are not enough youth workers."
