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Abstract
Over the years, linguistic interest in Mauritius has tended to be limited mainly to its creole (Kreol). While interesting in itself, such an approach fails to take into account the other languages used alongside Kreol. This study tries to remedy the situation by analysing the different types of language alternation phenomena in the multilingual context of the island. Drawing on a theoretical framework based on the work of linguists such as Auer (1999), Backus (2005), Bakker (2000), Maschler (2000) and Matras (2000a and b), this article traces the evolution of a continuum of language alternation, ranging from simple code-switching to mixed code and finally fused lects. Following Auer (2001), the different conversational loci of code-switching are identified. In addition, emerging forms of language mixing and fusion are highlighted and explained, with specific reference to the Mauritian context.