Why Do Cajuns Speak French Instead of Poitevin?

The question of why Cajuns in Louisiana speak French instead of Poitevin has an interesting historical background. This article delves into the linguistic evolution of the Acadian and Cajun communities, examining the origins and evolution of the French language in North America.

Understanding Patois and Its Evolution

The term patois refers to regional languages that were not Standard French in France. In Acadia, these regional languages, or patois, were not uniform, as the settlers came from different regions of France. Over time, French became the common language among them, unifying the settlers despite their diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Colonial Language Standardization

A major factor in the language stabilization was the colonial environment. In New France, as it was known then, the unification of language happened much sooner than in metropolitan France. By the time of the 17th and 18th centuries, French had become the prevalent language in Acadia, reflecting the influence of the dominant Ile-de-France dialect. This linguistic evolution was further solidified by the continuous influx of settlers from the same region, limiting the diversity of patois spoken.

Geographical and Linguistic Diversity

By the 1713 expulsions, the Ile-de-France dialect had become predominant in Acadia. However, the earlier settlers came from various regions, such as Brittany, Normandy, and other parts of France. This mix of linguistic influences contributed to the development of what would become Acadian French.

Interestingly, it is often noted that 85% of French Canadians are of northern French descent, and many of the words in Cajun French that are not standard French are also from northern regions like Normandy, Picardy, or Flanders. This supports the idea that the dominant linguistic influence in these regions played a significant role in shaping the language.

The Strength of the Ile-de-France Dialect

The Ile-de-France dialect, which is also known as Parisian French, had a strong presence in Acadia even before the major influx of settlers. This dialect was prevalent due to its accessibility and the uniformity it brought to the settlers. Additionally, the various village patois from France died out with the first generation of settlers, consolidating the use of French as the community's primary language.

It is fascinating to note that despite the presence of settlers from different regions of France, they found it easier to communicate in the form of Standard French rather than continuing to use their local patois. This linguistic convergence is a reflection of the community's resilience and the practicality of a unified language for communication.

Impact on the Exiled Acadians

The Acadians, known for their feisty and determined spirit, developed a distinct culture and language. When they were eventually exiled, they had been speaking a form of French that was more akin to Standard French, regardless of the specific region their ancestors came from. This demonstrates the significant role of linguistic unification in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the language of the Cajuns, or Acadians, can be traced back to the linguistic evolution of the New France colonies. The predominant Ile-de-France dialect, the diversity of settlers from different regions, and the practical need for a unified language all contributed to the development of the French language that is now known as Cajun French. The story of the Cajuns and their language is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a community in the face of historical forces.