Cajun French

Cajun French is a historic dialect of the French language spoken by the Cajun people in Louisiana. It developed from the French brought by settlers from Acadia (present-day Canada) in the 18th century. Over time, it evolved uniquely, influenced by Native American, Spanish, African, and English languages, creating a distinct cultural and linguistic identity. While many Cajun French speakers are older or bilingual, the language persists in community traditions, music, and storytelling, serving as a vital link to Cajun heritage and history. It is considered endangered but remains an important symbol of Louisiana's multicultural origins.