What language do Cajuns speak?

Cajun French is the term generally used to describe the variety of French spoken in South Louisiana.

What dialect do Cajuns speak?

Cajun English, or Cajun Vernacular English, is a dialect of American English spoken by Cajuns living in Southern Louisiana.

Is Cajun and Creole the same language?

Though often times used interchangeably, Cajun and Creole are two distinct ethnic groups with their own unique history, traditions and culture.

What is Cajun French language called?

Louisiana French (Cajun French: français de la Louisiane; Louisiana Creole: françé la lwizyàn) is an umbrella term for the dialects and varieties of the French language spoken traditionally by French Louisianians in colonial Lower Louisiana.

Do any Cajuns still speak French?

Louisiana French is still a vernacular language. But it is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 people can speak it in Louisiana.

What is Cajun? DIALECT, ACCENT and WHERE IT COMES FROM

What does paw paw mean in Louisiana?

Noun. papaw (plural papaws) (US, dialect, Southern US) Alternative form of pawpaw, a grandfather, especially one's paternal grandfather. (US, dialect, Southern US, less commonly) A father.

What do Cajuns call non Cajuns?

Socioeconomic factors appear to influence how Cajuns are likely to view the term: working-class Cajuns tend to regard the word "coonass" as a badge of ethnic pride, whereas middle- and upper-class Cajuns are more likely to regard the term as insulting or degrading, even when used by fellow Cajuns in reference to ...

How do Cajuns greet each other?

“Cher” Have you ever heard someone called Cher (share or sha)? It is a term of endearment or even a greeting to another person. It is comparable to “love” or “dear,” and it is traditionally used by Cajuns amongst friends and family.

Is Cajun a race or ethnicity?

The Cajuns retain a unique dialect of the French language called Louisiana French, and hold numerous other cultural traits that distinguish them as an ethnic group. Cajuns were officially recognized by the U.S. government as a national ethnic group in 1980 per a discrimination lawsuit filed in federal district court.

Is jambalaya a Creole or Cajun?

Jambalaya is both a Cajun and a Creole dish. The differences are subtle, and there's sometimes confusion or debate over the traditional ingredients required for each.

How did Cajuns get to Louisiana?

Cajun, descendant of Roman Catholic French Canadians whom the British, in the 18th century, drove from the captured French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia and adjacent areas) and who settled in the fertile bayou lands of southern Louisiana.

What does Boo mean in Cajun?

Boo. A term of endearment a parent or grandparent would call a small child, presumably Cajun in origin. Sometimes refers to your sweetheart, too.

What is the most Cajun name?

How do Cajuns say I love you?

“Mo linm twa”.

Why do Cajuns say Sha?

Sha: Louisiana Cajun and Creole slang, derived from the French cher. Term of affection meaning darling, dear, or sweetheart. It could also be a reference to something that is cute.

How do Cajuns say baby?

bébé (n.m.) 1. baby.

What do Cajuns call a party?

A fais do-do is a Cajun dance party; the term originated before World War II.

How do Cajuns say thank you?

Merci (Mare see): Thanks.

What do Cajuns call their parents?

We mostly use mom and mama for mothers and ma-maw (ma-mawn) for grandmother. Anyway, when I use the word maman, it's not in a good way.

Am I Cajun if I was born in Louisiana?

Today, common understanding holds that Cajuns are white and Creoles are Black or mixed race; Creoles are from New Orleans, while Cajuns populate the rural parts of South Louisiana.

Can Cajuns and French understand each other?

Though Cajuns from different parts of the state can usually understand each other when communicating in their local variety of French, certain words, features of pronunciation or syntactical structures can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion.