Français louisianais for English speakers

1. Flashcards

2. What is Louisiana French?

Louisiana French (français louisianais), often called Cajun French, is the French spoken in Acadiana, the French-speaking region of southern Louisiana. It descends mainly from the Acadians (Cadiens) expelled from maritime Canada in the 1750s, with influences from colonial French, Louisiana Creole, Native American languages, Spanish, and — heavily — English.

It is closely related to Acadian and Quebec French but has its own flavour. For decades it was suppressed in schools; today it is the focus of a vigorous revival (CODOFIL, French immersion schools), which makes learning it both useful and culturally meaningful.

Why learn Louisiana French?

• A living American French — One of the only French varieties native to the United States, central to Cajun and Creole culture.
• Music and food — The language of zydeco, Cajun music, and a world-famous cuisine (gumbo, étouffée, boudin).
• Heritage revival — Many Louisianians are reconnecting with the language of their grandparents.
• Bridge to other French — Understandable to other Francophones, with charming local twists.

3. Core Vocabulary & Expressions (1–66)

High-frequency words and phrases. This is the exact deck used by the flashcard trainer above. Use the search box to filter.

4. How It Differs from Standard French

The base is French, but Louisiana French has simplified and localised many things over 250 years of separation.

Pronouns and verbs

• on usually replaces nous: on va = we go.
• nous-autres, vous-autres, eux-autres are common for emphatic "we / you all / they".
• The simple future is often replaced by aller + infinitive: je vas manger (I'm gonna eat).
• après + infinitive marks ongoing action: je suis après manger (I'm eating right now).

Distinctive vocabulary

Code-switching with English is normal and historic; many speakers mix the two fluidly.

5. Pronunciation

The accent shares features with Acadian and Quebec French and has its own:

There's no single "correct" Louisiana accent — it varies by parish and family. Aim for clear French and absorb the local music.

6. Common Mistakes

• Expecting Parisian standard — Louisiana French has its own vocabulary and pronunciation; it isn't "wrong" French.
• Overusing nous and the simple future — locals say on and aller+infinitive (je vas manger).
• Missing 'après' for the present continuous — je suis après travailler = I'm working right now.
• Confusing Cajun French with Louisiana Creole — they coexist but are distinct language varieties.
• Avoiding English mixing — natural code-switching is part of authentic Louisiana French, not a failure.

7. Learning Resources

• CODOFIL all levels — Louisiana's official body for French; programs and resources.
• Dictionary of Louisiana French all levels — The standard scholarly dictionary, searchable online.
• Cajun & zydeco music; KRVS Radio Acadie beginner — Authentic listening rooted in the culture.
• Télé-Louisiane / Tasso (online video) intermediate — Contemporary Louisiana French media for learners.
• Français louisianais pour francophones intermediate — The same guide aimed at France-French speakers.

8. Culture & Context

Le Grand Dérangement

The Acadian expulsion of 1755–1764 scattered French-speaking Acadians; many settled in Louisiana, becoming "Cajuns". That history is the root of the language and identity.

Laissez les bons temps rouler

"Let the good times roll" captures the festive culture of music, dance (fais do-do) and food that keeps the language alive.

Revival after suppression

Children were once punished for speaking French in school. Today French immersion schools and cultural pride are reversing the decline, parish by parish.

9. Related Guides

• Quebec French from English
• Haitian Creole from French
• Cape Verdean Creole from English
• All language guides