The Preparation of a Differential, Historical, and Etymological Dictionary of Louisiana French

FAIN: PW-234786-16

Indiana University, Bloomington (Bloomington, IN 47405-7000)
Albert Valdman (Project Director: July 2015 to March 2021)

The preparation of linguistic resources on Louisiana French, one of approximately 19 varieties of French spoken outside of France.  These include a print and online dictionary and lexical entries for an international database of non-standard French vocabulary.

A team of specialists in lexicography and Louisiana French from Indiana and Tulane Universities proposes to produce a Differential, Historical, and Etymological Dictionary of Louisiana French. This dictionary will contain about 700-900 Louisiana French words that either do not occur in Standard French or whose meaning differs from it. It will show what words and meanings are unique to Louisiana or shared with the varieties of French within the broader French-speaking world. It will explain whether these differences have developed independently in Louisiana or whether they reflect the early varieties of French exported to the 17th and 18th century colonies that also gave rise to French-based creoles. It will make important contributions to French language studies, language contact, creole studies and language maintenance and revitalization. As such, it will constitute an invaluable resource for teachers in Louisiana's French immersion programs as well as for writers and cultural activists.