Learning To Be American In Acadiana
by Seaux-N-Seau Soileau
Title
Learning To Be American In Acadiana
Artist
Seaux-N-Seau Soileau
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
In the early 1900s the schools in Louisiana began punishing children for speaking French. Many Cajun and Creole children at this time lived in homes where the only language spoken was French. Both of my parents were disciplined for speaking French. Mom only knew a few important phrases and words when she began school. Dad was raised bilingual, but because the majority of his friends spoke French, he spoke French to them. Several of my friends and family members continued to be punished for speaking French in school until about the middle of the 1970s. Children with strong French accents were required to take Speach Therapy. Punishment varied from school to school. Students wrote lines, knelt on floor or others in trays of uncooked rice, they were shamed by being forced to wear signs that said things like "Fools speak French in school," their mouths were washed out with soap, and they were not allowed to go to the bathroom unless they could ask in proper English. Dad told me every time a child spoke in French the teacher would explain to the class they were Americans and Americans spoke English. She then explained their town was in their parish which was in Louisiana, which was in America and that is why they were Americans and must speak English. Dad said this lesson was often repeated 10-20 times in a day and the students were often made to repeat what the teacher said. Students were told Louisiana Cajun and Creole French was no good and would not be understood anywhere else in the world. When World War II broke out many from Louisiana in the armed forces learned differently. Many were asked to interpret and they wrote home and told their families that Louisiana French could be understood in France and other French speaking countries. Slowly things began to change. When I was in school we learned a few songs which had a few French lines. When my children were in school they were required to take a French class in elementary school. My grandchildren are in school now and French Immersion classes are offered as well.
Uploaded
March 1st, 2024
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