* Colonial History: La Réunion was colonized by France in the 17th century and remained a French territory until becoming an overseas department in 1946. This long period of French rule established French as the official language and the language of administration, education, and commerce.
* French Language Policy: As a French overseas department, La Réunion is subject to French language policies that promote French as the official language. This includes education where all subjects are taught in French.
* Social and Economic Factors: French is the dominant language in most aspects of life in La Réunion, including media, government, business, and education. This makes it essential for communication and social mobility.
* Cultural Identity: While there are other languages spoken on the island, such as Creole, French has become intertwined with the island's cultural identity. It's the language used in literature, music, and other forms of artistic expression.
It's important to note that while French is the official language, a large percentage of the population also speaks Creole. This language, derived from French and African languages, is spoken informally and is particularly prevalent in rural areas. However, French remains the dominant language and the language of formal settings.