essay

Language and ethnic identity in south Louisiana: implications of data from Mamou Prairie

quebec and acadian diaspora in north americaToronto, Ont. • Published In 1982 • Pages: 39-64

By: Gold, Gerald L..

Abstract
This is an analysis of French language use in a single sub-region of Louisiana -- Mamou Prairie. A basic finding of the research indicates that language and ethnic identity in Mamou Prairie are more closely tied to regional changes in occupational structure and the prevailing economy than to state-wide or national changes affecting all of 'French Louisiana.' Gold points out, however, that neither local nor national influences have affected the use of the French language in Mamou Prairie in a linear or uniform manner. Technological change, public education in the English language, and television, all have negative effects on the generational transmission of French, but assimilation rates, based on census data generalizations, and exogamy are not sufficient by themselves to account for the tenacity of French within certain sectors of the population, or for that matter in shifts that are made in language use within the life-cycles of individuals (p. 40).
Subjects
Sociocultural trends
Cultural identity and pride
Language
Settlement patterns
Occupational specialization
culture
Cajuns
HRAF PubDate
1995
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle, 1993
Field Date
1975-1980 (p.61)
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Mamou Prairie, Louisiana, United States
Notes
Gerald L. Gold
Includes bibliographical references
LCSH
Cajuns