Language Attrition in Louisiana Creole French

LANGUAGE ATTRITION IN LOUISIANA CREOLE FRENCH 18
functioning as a direct object and object of prepositions” (Valdman and Klingler
1997 in Valdman 1997, 121). 2
VI. Historical Factors of LCF Attrition
The historical origins of LCF led to the formation of the language,
assisted with the maintenance of the language over three centuries, and have
also greatly influenced its attrition today. In order to understand the impact of
the language‟s history on its present state, one must appreciate LCF‟s
historical origins.
Part of Louisiana‟s historical importance stems from its location.
Situated at the southern end of the Mississippi River, Louisiana benefitted from
the many uses of this waterway, including its being a conduit for commerce
and information. Although Europeans first entered the Lower Mississippi Valley
in 1539 as a result of Spanish exploration in the region, the French did not
arrive until René-Robert Cavelier landed in 1682; other expeditions led to the
establishment of Natchitoches, Natchez, and New Orleans, in 1714, 1716, and
1718, respectively. A map of Louisiana, with the areas of LCF speakers grayed
out, is included on the following page as Figure 1.
2 For additional information about the structure of LCF, please consult Valdman and Klingler 2007.