Published Paper


The Bhojpuri Language in Contemporary Mauritius: An Overview

1Shweta Sagar, 2R. N. Sharma
Department of Sociology, Patna University, Patna
Page: 1055-1066
Published on: 2024 September

Abstract

Bhojpuri is one of the five ancestral languages of Mauritius, and it has played a significant role in shaping the island's cultural identity. Despite its importance, Bhojpuri has received little attention in linguistic research, particularly in Mauritian. This paper aims to fill this gap by examining Bhojpuri's current status and usage in Mauritius. Bhojpuri is still used in informal settings, such as at home and in the community, and is seen as a marker of identity and cultural heritage. It also explores the factors contributing to the decline of Bhojpuri, including language policies, globalisation, and societal attitudes towards language. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to revitalise and promote the use of Bhojpuri in Mauritius. It highlights the language's challenges and the efforts to preserve and promote it. The findings have implications for studying Bhojpuri in Mauritius and the broader language revitalisation and preservation field.

 

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