"No French, No More" :: No Way !!

"Papa couldn't tell us and it didn't make no sense

When the teacher told us we couldn't talk No French

No more..."

- Zachary Richard, Acadien-Cajun, artist-activist, modern day hero. 

:: Two generations of Cajuns were punished and made to feel ashamed for speaking French. Subsequently our language almost died. Our parents and grandparents, as Cajun children whose only language was French, were humiliated and often beaten in Louisiana schools in an attempt to eradicate our maternal tongue. Richard's song is based on the experience of his parents.


"No French, No More" tells of the shame imparted to French speakers for doing nothing more than speaking their native language, and of how the simple desire for a better life for their children became a vehicle for that shame.







::  For decades, Zachary has led the effort to preserve and promote Cadien/Cajun culture, coastal preservation and the French language of Louisiana. Today, thanks to Acadien-Cajun activists such as Richard and the actions of The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) things have turned around. C'est très différent! French and Cajun French is now heard throughout Acadiana (South Louisiana). French Immersion schools are available in many school districts with all subjects being taught in French (except for English), and while most of the instruction is in standard French, many programs include and/or touch on Cajun French. 


In addition, there is something called "The French Table" where locals in different Cajun towns gather together once a week for lunch or breakfast and speak only French. Experienced Cajun French speakers are joined by novices and they interact with one another.


Music is the other VERY IMPORTANT avenue for keeping the Cajun language alive! Cajun music has had a big resurgence in popularity and now, young people are playing the music and singing the songs.


While we have made great strides, our culture, language and coastal lands are still at risk!  Join us for The Acadien Awakening, "Le Grand Réveil", our  cultural renaissance in full swing not only in South Louisiana but the Canadian Maritime Provinces (formerly Acadia aka l'Acadie in French) and within the Acadien community around the world!


:: Vive Le Grand Réveil!!  Link: http://gra2011.org/en.html

:: Fier D'etre Acadien!!

"The first time my teacher made me sit in the corner for speaking
Cajun I was humiliated. The second time she made me sit in the
corner I was indignant. The third time I was defiant" - Renee Laurent