Over the centuries, the language has incorporated some words of African, Spanish, Native American and English origin, sometimes giving it linguistic features found only in Louisiana. Louisiana French differs to varying extents from French dialects spoken in other regions, but Louisiana French is mutually intelligible with other dialects and is most closely related to those of Missouri (Upper Louisiana French), New England, Canada and northwestern France.
In terms of whether they're French or not, they're probably as French as Quebecans. With their group having been the French and their descendants living in Arcadia an area that neighbors Quebec. After the British conquered the area, they had mass deportations of the French. Those who escaped the mass deportations are still living in the former area of Arcadia, which is now split amongst the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. While many of those who didn't escape later resettled in Spanish Louisiana where they became the Cajun. Going by Wikipedia: The term "Cajun" comes from a rural pronunciation of Acadien (Acadian).
Leave a comment