A Revival of Language: Louisiana’s Unique French Immersion School
A vibrant scene unfolds in a small school located deep in the bayou, southwest of New Orleans. Two second-graders are busy with flashcards, learning different words for alligator in various French dialects. This is a typical day at École Pointe-au-Chien, a new public French immersion school in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.
The school, situated within a community rich in French heritage, prioritizes teaching local French dialects first. This approach, believed to be unique in Louisiana and perhaps the entire country, is seen as a crucial step in preserving the cultural identity of the region.
The Significance of Language in Cultural Identity
In the past, French was the dominant language in the Pointe-au-Chien community, a reflection of Louisiana’s history as a former French colony. Today, while many ancestors of the students at the school, such as Juliet Verdin and Lana LeCompte, spoke French, the language skipped a generation, leaving the children’s parents without fluency.
Christine Verdin, the school principal and a distant relative of Juliet, emphasizes the importance of language in maintaining cultural heritage. “When you lose the language, then you’re losing your culture,” she says. The establishment of École Pointe-au-Chien aims to bridge this generational gap.
The Rich Tapestry of French Dialects in Louisiana
Louisiana’s French influence has resulted in a variety of dialects. Standard French, Cajun French introduced by the Acadians from Canada, and Creole French developed by enslaved Africans, all mingled with native influences over the years. However, efforts to Americanize the state in the 1920s led to a decline in French usage, which was only reversed when public schools stopped enforcing English-only policies in the 1970s.
Today, those who still speak French often belong to isolated Native communities, where the language has similarities to Cajun French, albeit with regional differences. These variations are crucial to understanding the local culture and history.
The Road to Establishing École Pointe-au-Chien
École Pointe-au-Chien, which opened in fall 2023, is a product of grassroots efforts and legislative support, including backing from former Governor John Bel Edwards. Initially starting with nine students, the school now enrolls around 30 children from pre-K to second grade, with plans to expand one grade per year.
While some community members initially wanted the focus solely on native words, Verdin argues that French offers broader opportunities. “French is also a tool that can take kids places,” she explains, highlighting the importance of teaching both standard and local dialects.
Connecting Generations Through Language
École Pointe-au-Chien is fostering a new generation of French speakers, like Autumn Voisin’s twins, Anna and Josiah. With a family history of French speaking, Voisin now sees her children reconnecting with their roots through immersive education.
The school employs teachers from France under a longstanding agreement with Louisiana to support language preservation. These educators have embraced the challenge of teaching the diverse dialects of Louisiana French.
Sharon Picou, who manages the school’s English curriculum, shares a personal connection to the language. Her Cajun father faced punishment for speaking French at school, a history that fuels her desire to learn and teach the language without fear.
In this unique environment, students, like those in Camille Revillet’s pre-K class, are not just learning a language—they are bridging cultural divides and preserving a rich heritage. As Tulane University’s Nathalie Dajko notes, there is renewed hope in the younger generations, who are excited about keeping the language alive.
