Question by Lee9119: Does Louisiana Speak Only Cajun French or Both Cajun and “Classical” French?
Could I learn regular French and go to New Orleans and speak it and they understand me, or do I need to learn Cajun French? And if so, where could I learn it (websites, books, etc.)? And which one is better to learn as far as region is concerned (I live in metro Atlanta, GA). Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by lmn78744
Cajun / Creole only in Louisiana.
Classical french is only found in the Quebec region of Canada.
What do you think? Answer below!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Sorry, but the last generation in Louisiana that regularly spoke French (of any type) as a second language was born about 1900. Remember LA has been US territory since 1803 and a state since 1826.
The Cajuns (Acadians) are in south central Louisiana. People in southeast Louisiana (ex. New Orleans) spoke regular French. New Orleans is not and never was a “Cajun” city.
The state of Louisiana and the government of France are working to maintain French in Louisiana:
http://www.codofil.org/english/index.html
There are very few Louisianans anymore who speak any variety of French as their primary language. If you tried speaking French (Classical, Cajun or Creole) to most people in New Orleans, probably 98% would just look at you strangely and walk away. Having said that, there is a resurgence of ethnic pride among Louisianans of French heritage, and a great interest in learning Classical French, as well as teaching it to schoolchildren.
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