The Story: Speaking Cajun French

French is more than a language in Acadiana — it’s a heartbeat that has endured centuries of change, struggle, and pride. The story of French speaking in south Louisiana is one of cultural resilience, woven deeply into the identity of Cajun and Creole communities that call the region home.

The French Roots of Louisiana

The French presence in Louisiana began long before the United States existed. In 1682, explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle claimed the Mississippi River basin for France, naming it La Louisiane in honor of King Louis XIV. Early French settlers established posts in New Orleans, Natchitoches, and along the bayous of what would later become Acadiana.

When the Acadians — French-speaking settlers from Nova Scotia — were expelled by the British during Le Grand Dérangement in the mid-1700s, thousands sought refuge in Louisiana. These exiles, known as Cajuns, settled in the swamplands and prairies of south Louisiana, bringing with them their French language, Catholic faith, and close-knit traditions.

Over time, their dialect evolved into what is now known as Cajun French, distinct from the Parisian French of their ancestors.

A Language Under Pressure

For nearly two centuries, French was the language of daily life across Acadiana. People spoke it at home, in church, in the fields, and in local shops. But by the early 20th century, things began to change.

In 1921, the Louisiana state constitution declared English the official language of public schools. Children were punished for speaking French in classrooms, and a generation grew up ashamed of their native tongue. As a result, French began to fade from public life. Many families stopped teaching the language to their children, fearing it would hold them back socially or economically.

This period marked a low point for the survival of Louisiana French. By the 1950s and 1960s, English had become dominant, and the state’s French-speaking population was rapidly shrinking.

The CODOFIL Movement and Cultural Renaissance

The tide began to turn in 1968 with the creation of CODOFIL — the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. Founded by Lafayette attorney and educator James Domengeaux, CODOFIL sought to preserve and promote French language and culture through education, exchange programs, and international partnerships.

Under CODOFIL’s guidance, schools across Acadiana began offering French immersion programs, helping children learn the language naturally from a young age. Partnerships with France, Belgium, and Canada brought native French teachers to Louisiana, strengthening the curriculum and cultural exchange.

At the same time, a broader Cajun and Creole cultural revival swept through the region. Musicians, artists, and storytellers began reclaiming their heritage. Songs in Cajun French returned to dance halls, and local festivals celebrated the language once again. Speaking French was no longer a sign of the past — it was a point of pride.

French in Acadiana Today

Today, French is still spoken across Acadiana, though often in a mix of Cajun French, Creole, and modern Louisiana French. Towns like Lafayette, St. Martinville, Eunice, and Ville Platte host events that promote the language, such as Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Le Cajun Music Awards, and French-language radio programs.

Many schools now offer French immersion education, ensuring a new generation grows up bilingual. Universities like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette play a leading role in studying and preserving Louisiana French through research and outreach.

Beyond classrooms, you can still hear the language in casual conversation — at farmers’ markets, coffee shops, and front porches, often sprinkled with English in a true Acadiana blend. Organizations continue to work toward official bilingual signage, French media programming, and broader language revitalization.

A Living Legacy

The story of French in Acadiana is not one of loss, but of endurance. Despite centuries of political pressure and cultural change, the language continues to thrive — a symbol of identity, connection, and pride.

In Acadiana, speaking French isn’t just about words. It’s about remembering where you come from, honoring your ancestors, and ensuring that the melody of Louisiana’s French heritage keeps playing for generations to come.