Korlai Creole
INDIA’S myriad languages provide a window into its rich history and culture. One such fascinating language is Korlai Creole ( a hybrid language that becomes the main language in a particular place) spoken by the residents of Korlai, a tiny village on Maharashtra’s west coast. It is a mixture of Portuguese and Marathi. Korlai was colonised by the Portuguese from 1520 to 1740 A.D. And though there has been no contact between the residents of Korlai and the Portuguese after 1740, Korlai Creole continues to function as the primary language of the village. When the people of Korlai came into contact with the Portuguese, most converted to Christianity and adopted their language. Even the local church service was performed in Portuguese. Popularly called Kristy or Nau lin, Korlai Creole gradually began evolving as a separate language from the 16th century. Korlai Christians kept themselves separate from the Hindus and Muslims living in that area, marrying within their own community and religion.
Moreover, the village is located on an island and was connected to the mainland only in 1986 when a bridge was built. Besides, Korlai was a self-sustaining village. As a result, Korlai residents were in limited contact with Marathi speakers, leading to the growth and preservation of the unique language. With time, Marathi and even English words crept into Korlai Creole. Marathi became the medium of instruction in schools in 1926, and later, the church at Korlai too began conducting religious ceremonies in it. So, while the younger generation continues to speak in Korlai Creole at home and in their village, they communicate in Marathi in school and outside their community. Interestingly, the village elders still sing hymns and folk songs in the creole language. Although efforts are being made to preserve this vestige of the Portuguese era, the dialect is in real danger of fading away. The only surviving document of Korlai Creole is a book titled Naw Ling Su Istaur (The Story of My Language) by American professor Clancy Clements. A compilation of Korlai’s oral history, comprises 37 folktales which have been transferred from generation to generation.
