French, Cajun, Creole, Houma: A Primer on Francophone Louisiana

South Louisiana is known for its diverse rural society, with over a dozen French-speaking immigrant groups, including Cajuns and white Creoles. Carl A. Brasseaux's book explores the origins and evolution of these communities, highlighting the impact of French immigration over the past three centuries. He explores the three cohesive components of the Francophone melting pot: the Creole communities, the Cajun people, and the Houma tribe, each with a distinct identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

In recent years, ethnographers have recognized South Louisiana as a hub of one of the most complex rural societies in North America. The region boasts a rich tapestry of diverse French-speaking immigrant groups, with Cajuns and white Creoles being the most well-known. In this comprehensive guide, Carl A. Brasseaux delves into the origins and evolution of all the Francophone communities within Louisiana's French-speaking region.

Brasseaux explores the profound impact of French immigration on Louisiana over the past three centuries. He traces the journey of individuals, ranging from criminals to entrepreneurs, who transformed this once undesirable outpost of the French empire into a vibrant society. Unlike other American melting pots, Louisiana's Francophone community is built upon a strong French cultural foundation.

A prolific author and regional expert, Brasseaux offers readers an engaging historical narrative of how these diverse peoples came together to shape the unique and vibrant culture of South Louisiana. He delves into the intricate interactions between the Francophones, African Americans, Spaniards, Protestant Anglos, and influences from southern plantation life and the Caribbean. Through detailed exploration, he highlights three cohesive components within the Francophone melting pot: the Creole communities, both black and white; the Cajun people; and the Houma tribe, which is the state's largest concentration of French speakers.

Spanning thirty years of research, French, Cajun, Creole, Houma: Ethnic Roots of a Region Long Popular as an International Tourist Attraction is a reliable and accessible guide to the ethnic heritage of a region that has long attracted international tourists. It sheds light on the rich tapestry of cultures that have contributed to the unique identity of South Louisiana, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the diverse and fascinating history of this region.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 126 x 176 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807176962