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Cajun Culture
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Louisiana’s Cajun country
is actually officially called Acadiana. The area’s unique
culture has quite a bit of history behind it. In the early 1600s
colonists from France settled in what is now Nova Scotia. The
settlers where defined by their family ties and strong Catholic
beliefs and lived happily in this area until it fell under British
rule in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. The French colonists
were defiant of the British rule in many ways and refused to
adopt the |
Protestant religion. Frustrated with the French, the British government
sent troops to remove them. Many were shipped to the West Indies and
somehow they ended up in New Orleans. If was here in New Orleans where
the unique Cajun culture was born. By the 1900’s folks learned
to shy away from their French heritage. Speaking French was considered
a sign of ignorance. Today mostly only older Cajuns speak French.
The Cajun language evolved over time -- blending English and French.
Many Cajun French words are no longer used in France making the language
unique. Though, it’s important to remember that Cajun is not
a written language only spoken.
Creole is another spoken language that is native to New Orleans.
Creole is spoken mostly by blacks and is a combination of African
and French dialects. What’s interesting is that folks who
speak Cajun and folks who speak Creole can effectively communicate
with each other.
Cajuns are friendly, festive people that love food and music. They’re
also great storytellers. While visiting New Orleans you’ll
gain a deeper understanding and a greater appreciation for the distinctively
unique Cajun culture.
More Information:
 www.cajunculture.com
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