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MAIN PAGE | "How To" Book | Article Index | CMA | Links | Hébert Website |
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MAIN PAGE | "How To" Book | Article Index | CMA | Links | Hébert Website |
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| The Cajuns spoke French almost exclusively until the 20th
century. Many would learn enough English to get along in an increasingly
Anglo society as the 19th century progressed. But their main language
was Cajun French. The basics of the language is their Acadian French,
or the language of 17th century France. As the other cultures of
south Louisiana intermingled with the Acadians, certain words from other
languages were incorporated. Although a modern Frenchman and someone
speaking Cajun French would generally understand each other, there are
specific differences in usage and terminology.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a progressive movement to standardize Americans. In Louisiana, the consitution was changed so that only English would be used in school. Though thousands of Cajuns still learned Cajun French at home, thousands more would grow up without a working knowledge of their cultural language. In the late 1960s, an article appeared in Life magazine ("A Waning Echo from the Cajun Country") that estimated the French language would disappear from south Louisiana by the end of the century. Urged on by this article and the decreasing use of the French language, James Domengeaux and others fostered the creation CODOFIL by the state legislature. It's role is to "do any and all things necessary to accomplish the development, utilization, and preservation of the French language as found in Louisiana for the cultural, economic and touristic benefit of the state." Unfortunately, most of the French that is taught is not Cajun French. If you are interested in learning more about the language,
there are a few instructional works available.
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