United States: Louisiana Cajuns are keen to preserve their identity | Revisited • FRANCE 24 English
Summary
TLDRThe video script explores the rich history and cultural heritage of French-speaking communities in Louisiana, USA. It delves into the origins of French Louisiana, the impact of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, and the challenges faced by the Cajun people, descendants of French-speaking Acadians. The narrative highlights the efforts to preserve the French language and traditions amidst Americanization policies and the resurgence of French in education. The script also showcases the vibrant Cajun lifestyle, music, and food, emphasizing the community's resilience and commitment to their unique identity.
Takeaways
- 🏰 The state of Louisiana has a rich French heritage, with cities named Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, reflecting its French influence.
- 🌏 French Louisiana was originally a vast territory stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, but it gradually diminished as parts were ceded to other nations.
- 🤴 Rene Robert Cavalli, Sieur de La Salle, explored the Mississippi Basin in 1682 and claimed the land for King Louis XIV, leading to its name, French Louisiana.
- 📜 The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 saw Napoleon Bonaparte sell the territory to the United States for $15 million, significantly expanding the U.S. territory.
- 🗣️ French-speaking Acadians, also known as Cajuns, moved to Louisiana after being displaced from their original settlements in the northern region known as Acadia.
- 🚫 In 1916, the use of French was prohibited in schools in Louisiana, and the 1921 Louisiana Constitution only authorized the use of English, leading to the decline of the French language in the region.
- 👥 Despite the decline, Cajuns still make up nearly 10% of Louisiana's population and continue to fight for the preservation of their language and traditions.
- 🎵 Cajun music and culture are integral parts of Louisiana's identity, with traditional instruments like the violin passed down through generations.
- 🍽️ Cajun cuisine is a reflection of the region's history and is deeply rooted in the local culture, with dishes like boudin and Tasso being local delicacies.
- 📚 There has been a movement since the 1960s to rehabilitate the French language in Louisiana, with special French-English programs introduced in schools.
- 📺 The first French-speaking broadcast media in the region, 'Tilly Louisiana,' was launched to help revitalize the French language among the younger generation.
Q & A
What is the historical significance of the name 'Louisiana'?
-Louisiana was named in honor of King Louis XIV of France by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who explored the Mississippi Basin in 1682 and took possession of the territory for France.
How did the French territory in North America change over time?
-The French territory, originally stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, gradually eroded as the French ceded western Louisiana to Spain and the Canadian region to Great Britain. The final dissolution occurred in 1803 when Napoleon Bonaparte sold the territory to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
What is the origin of the term 'Cajun'?
-The term 'Cajun' comes from 'Acadian,' referring to French-speaking people who moved from the northern region of Acadia to present-day Louisiana after their gradual displacement by the British during the 18th century.
Why was the use of French prohibited in Louisiana schools in 1916?
-In 1916, the use of French was prohibited in Louisiana schools as part of a broader effort to assimilate the French-speaking population into American culture and to strengthen the use of English in education.
What impact did the Louisiana Constitution of 1921 have on the French language?
-The Louisiana Constitution of 1921 only authorized the use of the English language, further marginalizing the French-speaking community and contributing to the decline of the French language in the state.
What is the current status of the French-speaking community in Louisiana?
-Despite the decline in the use of French from generation to generation, the French-speaking community, known as Cajuns, still represents almost 10% of Louisiana's population and continues to fight to preserve their language and traditions.
How did the French influence shape the culture of South Louisiana?
-The French influence shaped the culture of South Louisiana through a mix of French, Acadian, Indian, and Creole influences, with the French language being a common thread, especially in the form of Cajun French spoken in the region.
What is the significance of the Cajun culture in the preservation of French traditions?
-The Cajun culture is significant in the preservation of French traditions as it represents a living connection to the French-speaking ancestors who settled in Louisiana. The culture is kept alive through oral tradition, music, and maintaining traditional ways of life.
What efforts have been made to rehabilitate the French language in Louisiana?
-Efforts to rehabilitate the French language in Louisiana include the introduction of special French-English programs in schools in the 1960s, the establishment of French-speaking broadcast media like Té Léman, and the promotion of French through art and cultural events.
How do Cajun people maintain their cultural identity today?
-Cajun people maintain their cultural identity today by preserving their language, practicing traditional music and dance, upholding culinary traditions, and passing down their heritage through generations within families and communities.
What is the role of the younger generation in the future of the French language in Louisiana?
-The younger generation plays a crucial role in the future of the French language in Louisiana as they are seen as the custodians of an endangered identity. Efforts are being made to engage them in the preservation and revitalization of the French language and culture.
Outlines
🏰 French Influence in Louisiana
This paragraph discusses the historical roots of French influence in Louisiana, starting with the exploration by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who claimed the territory for King Louis XIV in the 17th century. It outlines the territorial changes over time, including the cession of parts of Louisiana to Spain and Britain, and the migration of French-speaking Acadians from Canada to Louisiana. The narrative also touches on the significant event in 1803 when Napoleon Bonaparte sold Louisiana to the United States. Despite the decline in the use of French language, the Cajun community, which makes up nearly 10% of the state's population, continues to fight for the preservation of their language and traditions.
👥 The Cajun Identity and Cultural Struggles
This paragraph delves into the history of the Cajuns, descendants of the Acadians who were displaced by the British in the 18th century and settled in the marshlands of Louisiana. It highlights the efforts of individuals like Not Valid Law, a descendant of Acadians, who has lived in Louisiana his entire life and still practices traditional activities like fishing and hunting alligators. The paragraph also discusses the suppression of the French language in schools and the stigmatization of the Cajun people, which led to a generation known as the 'Lost Generation' who did not learn French. The narrative includes the story of Mike Francis, a painter who, despite being born to French-speaking parents, only speaks English due to the Americanization campaign.
🎼 Revival and Preservation of French Language in Louisiana
This paragraph focuses on the efforts to revive and preserve the French language and Cajun culture in Louisiana. It describes the 1960s movement aimed at rehabilitating French and the introduction of French-English programs in schools. The narrative introduces figures like Wilma, who, despite not having French-sounding names, launched 'Tilly Louisiana,' the first French-speaking broadcast media in the region. The paragraph also touches on the importance of food and music in maintaining cultural heritage, with individuals like Thibodaux, who learned to play the violin by listening to his elders and now sings with his daughter, embodying the transmission of oral tradition and music.
👨👧👧 Passing on the Cajun Legacy to Future Generations
The final paragraph emphasizes the commitment of the Cajun community to pass on their culture and language to future generations. It tells the story of Thibodaux, who decided to raise his daughters in French, despite the prevalence of American culture. The paragraph also discusses the growth in the number of French speakers in Louisiana, from about 100,000 to around 250,000, and the community's perception of themselves as special people who are both American citizens and custodians of an endangered identity. The narrative concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of the French language in Louisiana, with the youth seen as the key to its preservation.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡French Louisiana
💡Acadians or Cajuns
💡Louisiana Purchase
💡Cajun French
💡Americanization
💡Cultural Heritage
💡Cajun Music
💡French-speaking Broadcast Media
💡Cajun Cuisine
💡Endangered Identity
💡Oral Tradition
Highlights
Louisiana has a rich French heritage with cities like Baton Rouge and Lafayette having French names.
Rene Robert Cavalli Aliceau explored the Mississippi Basin in 1682, naming the territory French Louisiana in honor of King Louis XIV.
French Louisiana originally stretched from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico but gradually eroded over time.
French speakers from Acadia moved to Louisiana, becoming known as Cajuns, preserving their French language and culture.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 saw Napoleon Bonaparte sell Louisiana to the United States for $5 million plus $10 million for New Orleans.
Despite the French-speaking community's importance, French was prohibited in schools in 1916 and the Louisiana Constitution in 1921 only authorized English.
Cajuns, representing almost 10% of Louisiana's population, continue to fight to preserve their French language and traditions.
Fanny Alala revisits Cajun country, exploring the mix of French, Acadian, Indian, and Creole influences, all connected by the French language.
Mucho Miedo and Robbie, Louisiana-born farmers, embody the American Dream with a Cajun twist, preserving their heritage through hard work and tradition.
Thibodaux, a descendant of Acadians, keeps traditions alive by hunting alligators and looking after cattle and horses, away from the city.
The 1960s saw a movement to rehabilitate French in Louisiana, with special French-English programs helping a new generation learn their ancestors' language.
Tilly Louisiana, the first French-speaking broadcast media in the region, was launched by Wilma and Drakkar to promote the French language.
Cajun culture is deeply rooted in Louisiana, with food being a significant part of its history and identity.
The French-speaking population in Louisiana has grown from about 100,000 to around 250,000, with a strong commitment to preserving their identity.
Cajun music and oral tradition play a vital role in passing down the lifestyle and culture from generation to generation.
Thibodaux raises his daughters in French to protect and preserve the French language and culture amidst American culture's overwhelming presence.
Transcripts
[Music]
Baton Rouge Lafayette and it's the
French snow it nouvelle ollie on New
Orleans American cities all with very
French names all in the US state of
Louisiana
it was Rene Robert Cavalli Alice au who
in 1682 explored the Mississippi Basin
took possession of the territory in the
name of king louis xiv and baptized it
in his honor French Louisiana at the
start of the 18th century was enormous
stretching all the way from the Great
Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico gradually
the territory was eroded the French
ceded western Louisiana to Spain and the
Canadian region to Great Britain many of
the French speakers though living in the
northern region known as Acadia moved
south into present-day Louisiana where
they carried the name of Acadians or
just Cajuns with them the gradual diss
solving of the French territory really
completed in 1803 as Napoleon Bonaparte
sold Louisiana to the fledgling United
States to five million dollars plus 10
million for New Orleans itself the
immigration though of French speakers to
the region continued notably from the
West Indies and a Caribbean many of them
farmers accompanied by their slaves but
despite the importance of the
french-speaking community in the state
in 1916 it was prohibited to use French
in schools and in 1921 the Louisiana
Constitution only authorized the use of
the English language the Cajuns became
more and more isolated well a century
later they still represent almost 10% of
the population of Louisiana even though
the use of French continues to diminish
from generation to generation they
remain those fighting to preserve the
language and the tradition Fanny ala
revisits Cajun country for France 24
Louisiana the region is a mix of
influences French Acadian Indian Creole
with one thing in common the French
language near Lafayette and the southern
part of the state some still speak a
form of French Cajun French named after
those who settled in the region three
centuries ago to be a growing group the
mucho miedo and Robbie have a big living
honey constitute is Louisiana born and
bred he built this farm near the bayou
more than ten years ago he lives there
with his wife and daughters just a few
miles away from his parents
yeah Shawn song la villita
yeah the carjackers it a nice record
record by Maria 2250 is feminine de jour
cos you grow jfl greedy vache
with hard work Thibodaux made his
childhood dream a reality the American
dream with a Cajun twist he was brought
up by a grandmother who taught him
French now calls his fellow US citizens
the Americans inside a giant Kiva that
please please come Miss America
nice to see you cool you know please see
piss off except tea ma'am my preferred
dead sucker fish to take a short
daughter
pour the generous yonder no Paro
did you point more shows yet Katya did
he point le gentil
you know the Jews calm the monarchy the
Mexicans on sylheti hasta the Deacons
are neutral on a
super sorry I say did you know ya oublie
intially and totally traditional a long
yet Thibodeau is it by you cowboy when
he isn't hunting alligators he looks
after his cattle and writes horses far
away from the big city keeping
traditions alive is his way of
protecting his heritage
mimosa's we continue it did come on more
entirety commonalities
see just give lovey you like which are
now continually man manyara big
multi-service my pal him alone having me
so far I'm up here to this one yep all
yeah you know 10,000 miles DC for more
Jay the Burger King you know the
Macdonald city Amla you know back in the
day southern Louisiana was mostly
french-speaking
the Cajuns are descendants of the
Acadians a Canadian French people who
were chased out by the British during
the 18th century and settled thousands
of miles down the Mississippi River in
the marshlands of Louisiana known as the
Bayou not valid law is a descendant of
those Acadians ji guru shiny Roche and
issued by you a potato Brooks till y'all
objective said she saw Sonny the Primeau
just like his forefathers who settled in
Louisiana more than three hundred years
ago the 85 year old has lived here his
whole life she was a way to defend
vision by you inside the cupola corner
man to Majesty welcome
avec mon papa learn tapas a do i yeah
LeBlanc knows every inch of this river
he still goes fishing every week and
until a few years ago he was still
hunting the king of the bayou
the alligator pretty bone cutter and all
of my detriment should we sing Sandra
Pepa look long learn French at home but
doesn't use it much these days when he
was a child his teachers forbid him from
speaking at a school premiere como se
second from Sevilla oppressor from a
garage so Jean Vanier la Pavoni
polyprotein he you give an ahmadi no
French did you pass Quechua
enjoy poeple alone vamos a pelear longer
city pocket rusty biology lovely
in 1921 Louisiana authorities launched a
massive campaign to Americanize the
local population the state constitution
ban the use of French and schools that's
when the Cajuns started being
stigmatized my view mone
[Music]
like many Cajuns of his generation
LeBlanc did not teach his children to
speak French in Louisiana boomers are
known as the Lost Generation those who
did not learn French Mike Francis
Pahlavi he's a painter born in Lafayette
to French speaking parents but he only
speaks English the French culture is
very important to south Louisiana New
Orleans here because of the Acadian
culture
my mother was a Waguespack people that
came from all around in the 1720s when
she was about I guess six or seven she
had to go to school of course like and
they prevented her from speaking French
they got extra work or you know had to
stay after school or write lines or
things like that
Cajun children were often punished by
their teachers for speaking French
slowly abandoning the language and with
it a fundamental part of their identity
with his paintings Pahlavi celebrates
the history and culture of Louisiana he
may not speak French but he uses his art
to express his Cajun culture we grew up
primarily speaking English you know they
taught us English at school and most of
the television and and media that we
listened to the radio was English I
really do regret the fact that I didn't
take advantage of learning French as a
child but I didn't know any better you
know all my friends spoke English in the
southern part of the state the names
found in cemeteries are proof of the
long-running French influence
[Music]
trumpeting balsa or Thibodeau those
Catholic families never left Louisiana
where they had settled in exile in Syria
more
nobody anybody muffled
ugh de Lafayette jaymota :
Thibodaux has been working in the meat
industry since he was 14 years old now
he owns a company that makes Buda and
Tasso both local delicacies Victor Otto
pork crayfish alligator and Cajun
country food is sacred and also reflects
the history of its people
Jeremiah okay yeah pre-entered future
professor this is apostle more the
Moroccan cities in more ecology the
amount of fish submitted apart
well the Buddha of new leaf Roxy mr.
Xiang ji choreography a comedy Queen of
England India or series Africa of New
Avengers not ingredient F or sauce is
devolved but still super pop did the
mayor today Selma ensure you know it's a
better handle a deeper off or thumb the
35 year old is active in his defense of
Cajun culture and his heritage is
present all the way to the kitchen the
recipe ellaby emiya origami sergeant lea
l mm mm recipe panagra 400 happy she's
become a psychic shows Nouveau the
parlament future is in future me move
the body via the population educators
people
the 1960s saw a movement aimed at
rehabilitating French at a time when the
language seemed to be dying out
[Music]
at the time school started special
French English programs helping a new
generation learn their ancestors
language
Wilma grew and Drakkar bloom may not
have French sounding names but two years
ago they launched Tilly Louisiana the
first French speaking broadcast media in
the region Louisiana let Katie connect a
avec Northeast WA not illiterate or not
ratash ka beaucoup polish the compounds
a on si the mantra Louisiana is it on
with Diane Macedo Nadia's para pal - ah
Zetas Unni don't want her yet Rafael de
la Louisiana did not music - no future
- no long 18 employees now work together
on a weekly show built around one
specific theme that week the show was
focusing on Creoles of color and the
team was filming in the French Quarter
of New Orleans Creole envision failed
say complicated about the show beaucoup
de Jean male 8 MC Deutsche gay with more
than 260,000 views this year in
Louisiana is hoping to soon make it on
TV
McGrew and LeBlanc believe they the
youth of Louisiana are the future of the
French language on that by NIST well if
constancy quelque chose de poco exact
allocation to trade negative on that
societele racy cetera stereotype may our
own opinion in morocco supposedly
Francis s electrons they said no to a
cutie of humor cursor continue that
philosophy Jionni forever unless you've
done a music like future la langue
today's auto shows can uniform differ
home a specialty question oblong not
even important question we just really
visionary reporting sadhaks
said prospective sharks you're gonna be
eating praying and working being a Cajun
is a lifestyle that is passed down from
generation to generation through oral
tradition and music Thibodaux learned to
play the violin on his own without music
sheets just by listening to his elders
as a child he would follow his mother to
concerts now he sings with his daughter
[Music]
my papa
- Judy on a ladder near Palestine keep
pal on wit da whizzy
I mean keep Alphonse a the Louisiana
[Music]
[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]
[Music]
[Laughter]
Music idea vacant Todd Lee Joong Ki pal
from see ya playin in toddler the music
they were see say Houston grown short 30
people to the para fuse Sid dreadlock
they say don't incur more effeminate
equivalent in France a passkey CD monkey
shortly thirsty the vision of socialism
is heated on frosty is a so so so mu
Thibodeau decided to raise his daughters
in French despite the overwhelming
presence of American culture
Masha yeah daddy see she's about Paco
Mooresville a big lizard avail approach
engine irrational that's rapid muffled
Marie fimo job you continue a big
missile phone a command Isola Daniel set
upon ocotilla Dania see more
responsibilities Xalapa madeira big moe
a shock for Kazan told me she propelled
from seeking show some fish yeah let's
crack on the blue import on Scylla no
sauce on Aria forty years ago there were
just about 100,000 French speakers in
Louisiana today that number is around
250,000 those French speakers see
themselves as a special people citizens
of the United States but also custodians
of an endangered identity they vowed to
protect finally I'll revisit in Cajun
country for France 24 well that's all
from this week's edition of course you
can cash it and all the previous
editions as well on our website you'll
find it at France at 24 calm thanks for
watching more news coming up very soon
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