FRENCH IN THE LOWER LAFOURCHE BASIN

Abstract

Chapter Four provides a detailed account of the French of the Lafourche basin, outlining particularities especially at the lexical and phonetic/phonological levels. It shows how the language varies by ethnic group (Indigenous vs Cajun), and illustrates the importance the language plays for both Cajun and Indian ethnic identity–indeed, French is an Indian language in Terrebonne-Lafourche. Using excerpts from recorded interviews, the chapter then shows that these documented the unique features of the region are often recognized, and that residents feel an attachment not just to French, but to a very local variety of it: it is this French that is at the heart of identity in Terrebonne-Lafourche. The language identifies them as authentic members of the community; no other dialect of the language could perform this role.