Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-04-09 03:00:55
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the course of many people’s lives. For Iswaree Pushparathan, it meant not being able to travel to France to study modern languages. This led her to the University of Mauritius where she enrolled in a BA French and Creole Studies. Today, she teaches Mauritian Creole to foreigners, including expatriate executives. It’s an incredible journey that she never imagined experiencing, all thanks to her mother tongue.
When she finished her studies at a state college, Iswaree Pushparathan had already decided that she wanted to become a French teacher. She started the process of studying modern languages in France, but a few months later, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, putting the world on hold. With health restrictions and uncertainties, Iswaree Pushparathan knew that her plans were compromised. “My father suggested that I go to the University of Mauritius to not waste any time, especially with so much uncertainty due to the pandemic,” she explains.
Naturally, the young woman applied for a BA French Studies at the University of Mauritius. However, since the university required her to choose three options, she also chose a BA French and Creole Studies. This happened to be the course offered to her, even though it wasn’t her first choice. “Honestly, I accepted the course to not waste time. But from the first day in class, I didn’t regret my choice,” she says with a justified sense of satisfaction.
Iswaree Pushparathan experienced a cultural shock as she discovered her mother tongue in a new light. “The lecturer explained the struggle for recognition of Mauritian Creole, its importance in education and society. I was even more pleased with my choice when I learned that many graduates with a BA in French struggled to find teaching jobs. Some had to work in other sectors or take on temporary roles as supply teachers,” she adds.
On the other hand, there was a high demand for Mauritian Creole teachers, especially with the language being included in the curriculum and exams for the School Certificate in 2023. “I was glad that I chose the French and Creole Studies option because I was learning a lot about my mother tongue and had more career opportunities,” she emphasizes.
Since graduating last year, Iswaree Pushparathan has embarked on a new adventure. She offers private lessons through the agency Travelling Teachers. “I teach English, French, and Mauritian Creole. I have two expatriate executives whom I teach Mauritian Creole. There is a third British student who wants to learn French and Mauritian Creole. I suggested she learn French first because it will be easier to master Mauritian Creole later on,” she highlights.
The young teacher finds that teaching Creole to Francophone foreigners is not difficult. “They understand quickly and being in Mauritius allows them to practice the language and do additional readings,” she explains. When asked about teaching her mother tongue to foreigners, she expresses great happiness. “I often hear people ask, ‘Why learn Creole?’ or ‘Where will it take us?’ But this proves that there is a future with Mauritian Creole,” she asserts.
She also draws a parallel between the mindset of foreigners and some compatriots regarding the language. “I wrote my dissertation on parents’ opinions regarding the teaching of Mauritian Creole in schools. I received mostly negative responses. They say it’s vulgar and that there is no future with Mauritian Creole. Paradoxically, foreigners who come to us want to learn the language. They find it fascinating,” she points out.
In her teaching approach, she starts in French and gradually transitions to Mauritian Creole. “I teach them the spelling rules, and once they have mastered them, we can start forming sentences. As I said, Francophones don’t face major difficulties,” she explains.
Regarding the availability of support material for this learning process, Iswaree Pushparathan notes with satisfaction that Mauritian Creole communication is abundant. “Creole is now present on the radio and television. Authorities and businesses issue statements in Creole, the language is visible on billboards, and newspapers have headlines in Creole. However, not all newspapers have mastered the standard orthography yet. More efforts need to be made,” she confirms.
As for having to wait at least two more years to obtain her PGCE in order to become a teacher, she admits that it can be discouraging. “I understand the need for pedagogical training to be better prepared for teaching. But personally, I find it exhausting to have to study for another two years after three years at university and all those years in college,” she concedes.
While some of her friends have enrolled at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) to start their PGCE, Iswaree Pushparathan has chosen to take a break and will pursue the PGCE later in the year. In the meantime, she is gaining experience through Travelling Teachers.
Reflecting on the challenges in education today, especially with increasingly difficult children to manage, she believes it all comes down to attitude. “Firstly, I think one should choose this profession out of passion and not for holidays, for example. Secondly, one must know how to approach young people. I have my apprehensions, yes, but I work on them because nothing is easy in life,” she asserts.
When asked if she would have been interested in pursuing studies solely in Creole Studies, one of UoM’s projects for this year, she admits: “If this option had been available when I enrolled in university, I would have thought twice before choosing it. But today, I wouldn’t hesitate.”
She believes that the use of Mauritian Creole in schools can help those who struggle to adapt. She mentions the example of a cousin who had difficulties in school but later went on to study at the Collège technique Saint Gabriel. “He obtained his CAP and BEP. He now works for a large hotel group. If he didn’t have the necessary skills, he probably would never have achieved these diplomas. The only difference was that education was in French. I believe that language – given that English is used in the national system – may have been a barrier for him, leading to his failure,” she reflects.
She hopes that Mauritian Creole will continue to develop and that mindsets will evolve in light of what she teaches.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
