Add some spice with the Creole language

The Creole spoken in Reunion evolved along with the island’s first settlers, with people from France, Madagascar, Africa and India… Their need to understand each other led to a language full of imagery.

 

 

 

 

Here are a few Reunionese Creole sayings

Some Riddles, or, ‘ Kosa in chose’

To describe a burgeoning plant:
Le baba i mont le pwin son momon / le bébé montre le poing à sa maman
The baby’s shows his mummy his fist

 

For a mushroom:
Ti moun, gran chapo / petit homme, grand chapeau
Little chap, big hat

 

To describe a nut:
In kas lo serkey, i manz lo moun lé mor / On casse le cercueil, mais on mange le cadavre
We break open the coffin, but we eat only the body inside

 

On writing and reading:
La min i sèm, lo zyé i ramas / la main sème et l’œil récolte
The hand sows the seed, the eye reaps the corn

Expressions in Reunionese Creole:

• Koman i lé ?
  How are you?

• Léla
  I’m fine

• Santé vié moun
  So-so

• Lé bon
  Ok

• Kwélafé ?
  What’s going on? What’s up?

• Kosasa ?
  What is it?

• Allons bouger
  Let’s go.

• Sa mèm (mèm)
  That’s it.