Professor Arnaud Carpooran, a prominent figure in Mauritian education, has emphasized the need for oral exams in Kreol Morisien. In an interview with L'Express, he highlighted the significance of incorporating oral exams for Kreol Morisien, similar to those conducted for English and French. Carpooran stressed that if oral exams can be conducted for English and French, there is no reason not to do so for Kreol Morisien.
The discussion on introducing Kreol Morisien as a main subject in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) has been ongoing for two years. The challenge lies in compiling literary materials, specifically texts, that meet the required standards. The Creole Speaking Union was the only institution willing to take the risk of publishing poetry without guarantees of its inclusion in the school curriculum. Carpooran and his team have been working on an anthology of poetry, which was launched in February.
The anthology of poetry, comprising over 20 poems, was a significant step towards making Kreol Morisien a valid subject. However, the next challenge lies in compiling short stories and folktales. The Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) has decided to introduce only certain literary genres, including novels, plays, and poetry, in the initial batch of HSC. Carpooran's team is now working on identifying and compiling short stories and folktales that meet the MES criteria.
Carpooran highlighted the differences between short stories and folktales, emphasizing that while they may seem similar, they have distinct characteristics. Folktales have been passed down orally for generations, while short stories are a more recent literary form. The professor stressed the importance of preserving and promoting Kreol Morisien literature, including both oral and written traditions.
The development of an anthology of short stories and folktales is underway, with a committee expected to be formed to review and select texts. Carpooran expressed his hope that the project will be completed by next year, pending the complexity of the work involved. He emphasized that the inclusion of Kreol Morisien in the HSC will depend on the MES's consideration of the subject's importance.
Carpooran reiterated his support for oral exams in Kreol Morisien, citing the subject's unique characteristics and the need for a comprehensive assessment approach. He proposed separating short stories and folktales into distinct categories, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of students' knowledge.
The professor's advocacy for oral exams in Kreol Morisien has sparked a renewed discussion on the importance of promoting the language and its literature. As the project to develop an anthology of short stories and folktales progresses, educators and policymakers will be watching closely to see how Kreol Morisien is integrated into the HSC curriculum.
Key points
- Professor Arnaud Carpooran advocates for oral exams in Kreol Morisien, citing the subject's unique characteristics and the need for a comprehensive assessment approach.
