Tamil identity in Mauritius: linguistic and cultural preservation amidst multilingualism

Mauritius is a multicultural nation where diverse communities have coexisted for centuries, shaping a complex linguistic and cultural landscape. Among these, the Tamil community has maintained a distinct identity rooted in ancestral language, religious practices, and cultural traditions. This paper explores how Tamil identity is preserved and negotiated amidst the island's multilingual environment, characterised by Creole, French, and English dominance. Drawing on sociolinguistic theories of language maintenance and shift, and supported by educational statistics and cultural observations, the study examines how Tamil festivals, temple rituals, and community-led initiatives serve as key domains for symbolic language use and cultural continuity. The study highlights the paradox of high ritual visibility versus low academic uptake of Tamil among youth. By situating Tamil preservation within the broader context of African postcolonial identity formation, the paper argues that the Tamil community's efforts represent both resilience and adaptation in a creolised, multilingual society. These findings contribute to discussions on diaspora, heritage language sustainability, and minority identity in African multicultural states.