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Synthesis of the Cajun Language
When the Acadians first settled in Acadia, they spoke the traditional French. Even though the Acadians were French speaking people, they began to develop a different French dialect. When they arrived in Louisiana, even the French settlers rejected them because of the strange dialect. However, eventually they began to be accepted their language. Cajuns began to learn English, as well as the Americans that married Cajuns, began to speak French.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, les Cadiens (The Cajuns) were viewed as unintelligent, quaint, ignorant peasant (Wetlands). In the early 1900s, there was an attempt to suppress their language (Wetlands). “In 1916, the Louisiana Board of Education forbid the use of French in schools, ushering in L’Heure de la Honte, (Time of Shame). The new State Constitution in 1921 reinforced the edict. The next two generations of Acadiens would be punished for speaking their native tongue, not just in the classroom, but anywhere on school property” (Wetlands).
I can remember my Grandmother telling us as children that we were not supposed to learn the Cajun French, and she would not teach it to us. Although she spoke it fluently, she did not teach any of her children or grandchildren our native language. She did indeed grow up in the time period where speaking it was forbidden in schools, however, to some that is all that they knew.
In the 1930s-50s, politiciens (politicians) such as Dudley LeBlanc, and James Domengeaux in the 1960s-80s, led a resurgence of Cadien pride (Wetlands). In 1968 the CODOFIL, Le Conseil pour le Developpment de Francais en Louisiana (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) was formalized, and sponsored French-language education and cultural programs (Wetlands). “According to Legislative Act No. 409, the Governor of Louisiana is "...authorized to establish the Council for the Development of Louisiana- French, said agency to consist of no more than fifty (50) members and including a chairman...". CODOFIL is furthermore empowered 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. The name was subsequently changed to the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.”” (COCOFIL).
In the 18th and 19th centuries, les Cadiens (The Cajuns) were viewed as unintelligent, quaint, ignorant peasant (Wetlands). In the early 1900s, there was an attempt to suppress their language (Wetlands). “In 1916, the Louisiana Board of Education forbid the use of French in schools, ushering in L’Heure de la Honte, (Time of Shame). The new State Constitution in 1921 reinforced the edict. The next two generations of Acadiens would be punished for speaking their native tongue, not just in the classroom, but anywhere on school property” (Wetlands).
I can remember my Grandmother telling us as children that we were not supposed to learn the Cajun French, and she would not teach it to us. Although she spoke it fluently, she did not teach any of her children or grandchildren our native language. She did indeed grow up in the time period where speaking it was forbidden in schools, however, to some that is all that they knew.
In the 1930s-50s, politiciens (politicians) such as Dudley LeBlanc, and James Domengeaux in the 1960s-80s, led a resurgence of Cadien pride (Wetlands). In 1968 the CODOFIL, Le Conseil pour le Developpment de Francais en Louisiana (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) was formalized, and sponsored French-language education and cultural programs (Wetlands). “According to Legislative Act No. 409, the Governor of Louisiana is "...authorized to establish the Council for the Development of Louisiana- French, said agency to consist of no more than fifty (50) members and including a chairman...". CODOFIL is furthermore empowered 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. The name was subsequently changed to the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.”” (COCOFIL).
Interpretation of the Language
The original Acadians came from France and spoke the home language. The decades that they spent in Acadia, their French dialect began to change. It had come to a point that the native French speaking people could not understand their dialect.
Upon arrival to southern Louisiana, their strange dialect was not accepted, and eventually was banded from ever being spoken by students in and around school grounds. At this time, there were still parents that could not speak English; therefore, children began to speak both the Cajun French and English.
Through the 60s and 80s, politicians began to resurrect the French of Louisiana, and promoted French-language education. Now, the CODFIL was developed through a Legislature Act to promote, preserve, and utilize the French language of Louisiana in any and all ways to benefit the state.
Upon arrival to southern Louisiana, their strange dialect was not accepted, and eventually was banded from ever being spoken by students in and around school grounds. At this time, there were still parents that could not speak English; therefore, children began to speak both the Cajun French and English.
Through the 60s and 80s, politicians began to resurrect the French of Louisiana, and promoted French-language education. Now, the CODFIL was developed through a Legislature Act to promote, preserve, and utilize the French language of Louisiana in any and all ways to benefit the state.
This video depicts how the Cajuns speak their native language. Take a listen, and hear the thick and unique Cajun French spoken. Also, if you look at the young boy you will notice that he is on his knees. This is how children were punished by their parents. There have been many of times when my brothers and I were punished on our knees.