Louisiana Back Porch Talk: Richard Ardoin on Growing up Cajun and Speaking French
- Leauxcal
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Growing up in Chataigner, Louisiana, Richard Ardoin lived through a time when speaking Cajun French, the only language his parents knew, was treated as something shameful. In first grade, a teacher told him he was "stupid" and sent him to the back of the class simply because he spoke French. For Richard, and so many more Cajun children of that era, the
classroom became a place where their heritage was punished instead of celebrated.
Richard was the youngest of four children. His father, Emile Ardoin, could only sign his name, and his mother marked hers with an X. They couldn't help him with schoolwork because they didn't speak English, but they gave him something even stronger-unconditional love and a deep Cajun identity. It was a childhood rooted in family, faith, and community, even if society didn't value his language or culture.
His older brother, Easton J. Ardoin, also embodied that Cajun grit. Refusing to settle into a life of picking potatoes, Easton enlisted in the Army at just the age of 14 years old by having a friend forge his age. He went on to serve his country for 60 years, eventually rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Today, a monument in his honor stands in Oklahoma- a testament to his service and sacrifice.
Richard's own path was one of resilience. Though he didn't graduate high school until the age of 21 and left school unable to read, he later taught himself. He went on to build a career as a cook with Exxon, where his talent in the kitchen brought him to be asked to cook for President George H. W. Bush aboard his yacht which he declined and even the Communist Party of China. Despite lacking formal education, he made a life for himself through hard work, determination, and Cajun pride.
When Richard reflects on those days, he often speaks of the simplicity of life back then-neighbors visiting, families sharing meals, and a community bound by love. Yet beneath those warm memories lies the reality of a generation told their language made them less. That is why Richard is so proud of his daughter, Tanya Ardoin, whose Crawville children's books are dedicated to preserving Cajun French. Through her mission, the language that once brought Richard shame in school is now being passed on with pride.
Richard Ardoin's story reminds us of a painful truth: many Cajuns were silenced for speaking their native tongue. But his life also shines with resilience, love of family, and a determination to carry his heritage forward. Today thanks to voices like Richard's and Tanya's mission to preserve Cajun French-the culture that was once suppressed is finding its way back into the spotlight.
Were your grandparents or great grandparents punished for speaking French?
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