do people speak french in louisiana?

Answer 1

There are very few people who speak French as their first language in Louisiana. Most Cajuns (like myself) speak English as their first language, and MIGHT know a little French picked up from their grandparents.

After the Second World War, Cajuns were quickly assimilated into mainstream American culture (both forced and choice). You will still find enclaves where it is understood, and attempts are being made for its revival, but for the most part Cajun French is disappearing as a viable language.

French speakers from other parts of the world would find the French that was once spoken in Louisiana difficult to understand, as it had evolved into something quite unique with influences of African, Spanish, Native American and American English languages.

Answer 2

The sad truth is the federal government back in the day outlawed speaking french in the Louisiana schools to encourage "cajun" children to learn english. The first language in some communities was in fact french. Of course, now the government requires two years of foreign language classes in high school. Pretty hypocritical. Anyway, the grandchildren of most "cajun" people don't speak french unless they remained exposed to it at home. I am one of those grandchildren. My grandparents spoke it fluently. My parents were forced to give it up and I only had infrequent exposure to it. As the case is everywhere these days, spanish is and has been the frequently spoken foreign language here. I doubt french will ever return except in those small "cajun" communities that are still clinging to it.

Answer 3

There are over a million native French speakers in Louisiana according to the last US Census. Quite a few people in New Orleans Speak French, comme moi, and there are several French immersion programs in New Orleans schools, even now, after Katrina.

Answer 4

well yes those older ppl with a french background still speak it from time to time but the younger don't use it as a common language or nething

Answer 5

We speak a Creole version of French here Chere'
Jus like da good Gumbo yea, it has all kinds of good stuff all mixed in...
Geaux Tigers!

Answer 6

Yes and we are all crazy cajuns that live in the swamp and have alligators for pets instead of dogs. We all talk like that idiot from "Waterboy". We have nutria rat shoes and our clothes are made from different animals we have trapped in our yards. We all only eat crawfish and seafood from the swamp and we marry our cousins.

Answer 7

Yes. It has Frence influence there with its association with France. The Liberty Bell is the link ( I think).

Answer 8

probably if people from french lives their, but their background language is not french

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Some do although it's not as common as it once was.