LSU Working to Preserve Louisiana’s Cajun French Culture and Language
Louisiana is known throughout the world for its southern hospitality, rich tradition, and colorful history. What makes this area of the country so unique is the connection to its French legacy, particularly its Cajun French heritage. In addition to good food and good times, the Cajun culture is a way of life passed down from generation to generation through its language, music, and family customs. Unfortunately, this unique culture is in danger of being lost.
Early colonists left France during the 17th century to settle in Acadia, a French colony near present-day Nova Scotia, Canada. Despite long-term French and British conflict over this North American territory, where both countries attempted to establish settlements, the Acadians (also known as Cajuns) flourished as farmers and fishermen. Even after the territory was handed over permanently to the British, colonists continued to live in harmony until 1755, when the mass deportation of Acadians began. The Cajuns were forced to leave after refusing unconditional allegiance to the British crown, and thousands of Acadian families were loaded onto boats and dispersed among the American-British colonies. Many arrived as refugees in Louisiana between 1764 and 1788, settling along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, as well as Bayous Teche and Lafourche.
 Click to view larger image. |
| 1990 Estimated Acadian/Cajun Population |
Their traditions melded with those of the French and Creole populations in Louisiana, as well as those of the Spanish, African, and other groups. Today, the term “Cajun” has expanded to include people who are not necessarily of Acadian descent, but whose lifestyle, language, and traditions have been heavily influenced by the French culture of Louisiana.
Between the 1920s and 1960s, the state of Louisiana did its best to eradicate the French language, mandating that all public school classes be taught in English. The consequences of this 40-year span greatly diminished the usage of the French language in Louisiana. It is an effect still felt today. It was not until the 1960s when a newfound pride and appreciation of the Cajun culture resurfaced. Since then, young Louisianans have been trying to recover a language almost forgotten.
“The people in Louisiana realize that they are in a situation of language loss,” said Sylvie Dubois, chair of the LSU French department. “The Cajun language is part of Louisiana culture, so all efforts should be devoted to its preservation and maintenance.”
LSU Moves to Preserve a Lost Language
LSU
began offering Cajun French courses in 1998, a few years after receiving
a National Science Foundation grant to conduct research
within the Cajun community. LSU’s Department of French Studies, ranked
eighth in the nation by the National Research Council, used the gathered
research material and funding from federal agencies for the creation of
a Cajun French undergraduate curriculum, which allows students to major
or minor in French with an emphasis in Cajun French.
The program includes four classes in basic Cajun French language instruction and upper level classes in Cajun French culture, literature, and contrastive grammar. The basic language classes are open to all students at LSU, even if they have little or no background in French. These classes can be used to fulfill LSU’s foreign language requirements in most curriculums. The French Department is in the process of creating a Cajun Studies minor that may include additional courses in anthropology, history, cultural geography, and folklore.
Carrying the Torch
 Amanda Lafleur |
The University’s decision to add the Cajun French courses led to the hiring of Amanda Lafleur, an LSU graduate who designed the curriculum. Lafleur grew up hearing the language among her family members but did not become fluent in the language until she lived in France for a year. She spent the next 25 years teaching both standard French and Cajun French in the classroom.
Lafleur is also known for her radio vignettes entitled Louisiana Lagniappe, a one-minute audio segment emphasizing a range of topics on Cajun and Creole culture.
“The differences between standard French and Cajun French are oftentimes exaggerated,” Lafleur said. “French speakers from other countries and Cajun French speakers from Louisiana are able to understand each other. The differences can be attributed to regional variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and structure. In general, it is the same basic language.”
Lafleur sees the classes as an opportunity to help preserve a part of Louisiana’s heritage. “For many students these classes are a way to reconnect with their past,” said Lafleur. “Anyone who lives in this area should not overlook a part of the culture that is so important to Louisiana and that has touched so many aspects of our lives.”
 Erin, French major |
Erin, a third-year French major from Pierre Part, LA, grew up speaking French with her grandparents. “Slowly, I see the culture disappearing and these classes help to preserve it . . . everyone should have some background in their roots.”
Keyon, a psychology major and business minor at LSU, enjoys studying the French origins of American culture. “The classes are fairly small so there is more interaction with one another and with the professor,” said Keyon. “I’ve had a great experience with the courses, and I take what I’ve learned back to my hometowns of Ville Platte and Mamou, LA, and put it to use with my family.”
 Mehmet, chemical engineer student |
Mehmet, a chemical engineer student from North Cyprus, took French during his first year in high school. Having no experience with the Cajun French language, he chose to take the classes to learn more about the history and culture of Louisiana’s Cajun people. “I recommend the Cajun French classes to others,” said Mehmet. “It has been the most enjoyable class I have taken at LSU.” He plans to study abroad in Canada, where he will be able to use his new language skills.
The preservation of such an essential part of Louisiana’s culture and identity is not entirely hopeless. LSU’s Cajun French courses are intentionally designed to help carry on the rich and colorful tradition of our French heritage — its music, its food, and its beautiful language. More important, a conscientious and enduring effort made by the state’s younger generation will help guarantee that the Cajun French culture and language will continue to flourish in Louisiana.
Contact Melinda Tyler or Robin Dunkin | LSU
University Relations
Highlights Team
Summer 2005
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR | |
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Name: Mindy Hometown:Baton Rouge, LA Major: Mass Communication, concentration in Public Relations Classification: Sophomore Student Organizations: PRSSA, Prestige Favorite Book: Anything by Jane Austen Favorite Movie: Legends of the Fall Favorite Web site: Barnes and Noble |
