essay
Language and ethnic identity in south Louisiana: implications of data from Mamou Prairie
quebec and acadian diaspora in north america • Toronto, 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).
- 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