Where in LA exists authentic French/Cajun culture (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: schools, store)

[unemployed_developer]

I heard only 5% of all people in Louisiana still speak French. What are some of the most predominate areas that still speak French as their "in-home" language?

Are store signs bilingual? I remember in Miami seeing English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole on some signs in a Walmart!

Are people discriminated against for speaking French?

[DeanGuitarist]

A long time ago people were punished for speaking Cajun French. I remember my grandparents talking about how schools used to punish children when they did. Now the language is making a comeback, so to speak.

The area you're looking for is around the southern center of the state, around Lafayette, Acadia, Vermillion and several more states. Eunice and Basile areas too.

There's a radio station, KBON, 101.1, where you can listen to Cajun and Zydeco music also. The djs speak French. Hope this helps....

[sluggermatt15]

I dated a girl from Ville Platte for a few years. Her grandparents spoke Cajun French.

Lafayette, Baton Rouge are Cajun country for sure. I would also consider up to Alexandria and west to Lake Charles as well.

[lieqiang]

We had an Uber driver in Lafayette who answered her cell phone and immediately switched to French, it really surprised us.

[recycled]

Here's a nice wall mural in Opelousas, LA known as Zydeco Capital of the World:



Another mural in Opelousas showing the Acadian culture of the region. Zoom in on the schoolboy writing on the blackboard "I will not speak French" multiple times as a punishment.

[recycled]

This thread reminded me of a German movie I saw around 2005 called Schultze Gets the Blues. It is a story about a retired salt miner in eastern Germany who also plays the accordion, but is bored playing the same old polka songs. One day he hears a Zydeco song on the radio featuring an accordion and it gets him interested in learning some new music. Eventually he decides to visit the USA and goes to Louisiana to discover Zydeco in person. He speaks almost no English. Doesn't matter, he brings along an accordion to learn how to play some Zydeco himself. Good story, and a nice profile of Zydeco music and Cajun culture in Louisiana.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by recycled

Here's a nice wall mural in Opelousas, LA known as Zydeco Capital of the World:



Another mural in Opelousas showing the Acadian culture of the region. Zoom in on the schoolboy writing on the blackboard "I will not speak French" multiple times as a punishment.

Now that you post those pictures, I think I have driven past them. You kind of have to look closely for them.

[SnazzyB]

I recognize some of those Zydeco folks. Boozoo Chavis, Queen Ida, Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, Beau Jacque and Rockin Dopsie. I love Zydeco. :-)

[SnazzyB]

You could always attend the Cajun Mardi Gras in Church Point, LA

Cajun Mardi Gras is different than New Orleans Creole style. It's more 'country' and honestly, it looks like a lot of fun.
"What do you wear to the Church Point Courir de Mardi Gras Run?
The Saddle Tramp Riders Club, Inc, & the Capitan, would like to welcome all participants to the 57th annual Church Point Courir de Mardi Gras Run! We are the last “ TRADITIONAL ” Cajun Mardi Gras. In keeping with this tradition, the Capitan request that all ‘Mardi Gras’ be dressed in full traditional costume (capichon, mask, traditional outfit)."

[Lodestar]

We enjoyed time spent in Lafayette and Breau Bridge touring, eating and learning about Cajun culture. The people are gracious hosts and the environment is lush.

Our swamp tour forever changed the way I think about what a swamp is. Our guide was the real deal - a strong, toothless senior with a good sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge about the ecology of swamps.