The University of Seychelles on the 17th September 2009 under Section 15 of the Education Act 2004. Its main objective is to provide cost-effective, internationally recognised high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education and training programmes, as well as research. The University of Seychelles (known also as UniSey) works in close collaboration with local and international partners having mutual interest.

The Creole Language and Culture Research Institute (CLCRI) was set up by the University of Seychelles in October 2016, to stimulate, facilitate and lead research in Creole studies in the country, with particular attention to the Seychellois Creole language and culture.

VISION

To be the knowledge hub of Creole languages and cultures in the Indian Ocean.

MISSION

The mission of the Creole Language and Culture Research Institute is to create an academic forum for the advancement of the Seychellois Creole language, culture and society within the context of and in collaboration with Indian Ocean and other Creole societies in the world through research and dissemination, the creation of databases, publications and engaging in and promoting academic activities such as debates, criticism and intellectual creativity.

VALUES

• Adherence to professional and moral ethics in the performance of the institute’s activities;
• Working as a team and in collaboration with others to achieve common goals;
• Upholding the University’s good reputation through adherence to high standards of performance.
• Bringing innovation to modes of practice in research, dissemination and use of socio-cultural data to stimulate new respect and enthusiasm in the youth particularly, intellectuals and others, for the Creole culture, language and society.

MOTTO

‘NOU KILTIR, NOU KONESANS, NOU LIDANTITE’

TARGETED AREAS OF RESEARCH

• Creole linguistic development;
• Genesis of Indian Ocean Creoles and their evolution;
• Origins of Seychellois Creole culture;
• Contribution of Madagascar, East Africa and Asia to Indian Ocean Creole cultures
• The Bourbonnais and Ile de France connections;
• Early history and consequent historical developments;
• Slavery and its aftermath;
• Music, song and dance;
• Cultural practices;
• Literature and literary developments;
• Theatre and performance;
• Creole architecture;
• Creole culture and sustainable development;
• Creole culture and the Blue Economy.