French, Cajun
PrintA language of United States
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
Acadian, Cadien, Cajan, Cajun
Population
25,600 (2010 census), decreasing.
Location
Southern Louisiana, west of the Mississippi to Avoyelles, Evangeline, Allen, and Calcasieu parishes.
Language Maps
Language Status
7 (Shifting).
Classification
Dialects
Big Woods French, Marsh French, Prairie French. Reportedly Cajun speakers can partially understand standard French [fra].
Language Use
Mainly older adults. Also use English [eng].
Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 60% English, 0% French. Textbooks in Cajun, translations of some classics. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
Ancestors came from French Canada in the 18th century. Christian.