The everyday language of Seychelles is Kreol Seselwa, Seychellois Creole, one of three official languages alongside English and French. Creole grew out of the French of the early settlers and became a distinct language with its own spelling and grammar, written phonetically. Visitors get by easily because English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tours. A few Creole words go a long way as a friendly gesture, such as bonzour for hello, mersi for thank you and orevwar for goodbye.
Part of the charm of any trip is hearing the local language, and in Seychelles that language is Kreol Seselwa, Seychellois Creole. You do not need to speak a word of it to have a wonderful time, since English is widely spoken, but learning a few phrases is a warm gesture that locals appreciate, and it tells you something about the islands’ history. Here is a friendly visitor’s guide.
Three official languages
Seychelles has three official languages, and the mix tells the story of the islands. Creole is the everyday mother tongue, spoken at home and on the street. English is widely used in government, business and tourism, which is why visitors get by so easily. And French is present too, a legacy of the islands’ early settlement. Most Seychellois move comfortably between them.
Where Creole comes from
Seychellois Creole grew out of the French spoken by the islands’ early settlers, blended and reshaped over generations into a distinct language of its own. If you speak French you will catch many familiar-sounding words, but Creole has its own spelling, grammar and rhythm, and it is very much its own tongue rather than a dialect. It is written phonetically, which gives it a friendly, approachable look on signs and menus.
A few useful words and phrases
You will not need these to get by, but a few go a long way as a friendly gesture.
- Bonzour means good day or hello.
- Mersi means thank you.
- Konman ou sava? means how are you?
- Mon byen means I am well.
- Orevwar means goodbye.
- Silvouple means please.
If they look a little like French read aloud, that is exactly the connection. Locals will smile at the effort, and that smile is half the reward.
Will English get you by?
Yes, easily. English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops and on tours, so you will have no trouble being understood anywhere a visitor is likely to go. Creole is the warm bonus, not a necessity, which makes Seychelles one of the more relaxed destinations for an English-speaking traveller.
The culture behind the language
Creole is more than speech. It carries the islands’ music, food and identity, and there is even an annual festival celebrating Creole culture. Listening to the language, trying a few words, and tasting the Creole food are all part of the same thing, getting a feel for who the Seychellois are.
Plan your trip
A few words of Creole are a lovely way to connect, and the rest of the islands are easy to navigate in English. Browse our directory for a place to stay run by locals who will happily teach you a phrase or two, and see more things to do to dig into the culture beyond the beaches.
Frequently asked questions
What language do they speak in Seychelles?
Seychelles has three official languages, Creole, English and French. Creole, or Kreol Seselwa, is the everyday mother tongue, while English is widely used in tourism and business, so visitors get by very easily.
Do they speak English in Seychelles?
Yes, widely. English is one of the three official languages and is spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops and on tours, so English-speaking visitors have no trouble being understood anywhere they are likely to go.
What is Seychellois Creole?
Kreol Seselwa is the everyday language of Seychelles. It grew out of the French spoken by the early settlers and became a distinct language with its own spelling, grammar and rhythm, written phonetically, rather than a dialect of French.
How do you say hello and thank you in Seychelles Creole?
Hello or good day is bonzour, and thank you is mersi. Other handy phrases include orevwar for goodbye, silvouple for please, and konman ou sava for how are you. Locals appreciate the effort.
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