Often known for its rich cultural heritage and unique blend of traditions, the state of Louisiana is currently hosting an event of great significance – the Center of the Francophonie of the Americas. According to this article from The Daily Advertiser, this marks the first time that Louisiana has been chosen as the venue for this prestigious gathering. The event holds special meaning for the state, considering its historical connection to the French language.
In the not-so-distant past, Louisiana boasted a thriving community of over a million French speakers. However, the number has dwindled over the years, with an estimated 250,000 French speakers remaining in the state as of 2021. Recognizing the need to preserve the Cajun French language and culture, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) was established in 1968. It aimed to promote and safeguard the French language, which had been prohibited in public schools and public places for a significant period.
Over the years, the tide has turned, and today, French immersion programs are thriving across the state, with approximately 5,500 students enrolled. This resurgence of interest in the French language can be attributed to the efforts of organizations like CODOFIL, whose mission is to ensure the longevity of the language and culture.
The first-ever summer institute program of the Center for the Francophonie of the Americas was hosted by CODOFIL, in collaboration with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Lafayette Consolidated Government. This event marked the first time the program was held outside of Canada, a significant honor for Louisiana. Out of 500 applicants, 50 participants from 11 countries were chosen to attend the institute. The aim was to facilitate an exchange of perspectives on the evolution of the Francophonie in various aspects of society, including economics, education, and culture unique to Louisiana.
Among the key themes explored during the program were sustainability and the development of the Francophonie in the Americas. These themes were divided into three axes, one of which focused on French as an economic asset in Louisiana. Matt Mick, the communications director, highlighted the economic benefits of bilingualism, emphasizing the advantage it brings in terms of international relations and global connections. The significance of French as a language of trade was evident, with trade between France and the U.S. reaching a substantial $79 billion in 2018.
Research conducted by the Center for the Francophonie of the Americas has shown that companies sharing a common language are more likely to engage in trade with one another. This principle extends to regions and states as well, with linguistic affinities playing a vital role in economic and consumer dynamics. French, being the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, carries substantial weight in the global economy. Francophone countries and member states account for a significant 16 percent of the global gross domestic product.
President Sylvain Lavoise expressed the need to create stronger links within Francophone culture, as people in other countries often remain unaware of the large number of French speakers in Louisiana. By building these connections and fostering a sense of togetherness, Louisiana aims to raise awareness and strengthen its position within the broader Francophonie community.
The historical narrative of French in Louisiana has been riddled with challenges, depriving the majority of francophones the opportunity to learn to read and write the language. However, organizations like CODOFIL and the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques are determined to rectify this situation. In the 1990 census, approximately 250,000 Louisianians claimed French as their spoken language at home. By the 2000 census, the number of Louisiana francophones over the age of 5 had dropped to 198,784, including a smaller subset who spoke Creole French. These organizations continue to identify avenues for research and encourage francophones to contribute to the wealth of knowledge that will shape the future of the language.
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