Oh, You’re From Louisiana? Say Something in Cajun.

When people meet me and learn that I am from Louisiana, the normal round of questions follow about life in Louisiana. Many questions about what type of pet did you have… An alligator, right? And questions about the cuisine… Do you really eat crawfish? And how about LSU… Do they really party that hard at the football games?

The Elusive Cajun Accent

One story that eventually comes out (when my wife is around) is about my “Cajun accent” and that it rarely noticeable in my everyday speech. You see, I grew up in the city of Baton Rouge but am of Cajun heritage. Growing up in the city, my Cajun accent usually comes out only when I am speaking to someone else who is of Cajun heritage. Most people who meet me say that I do not have a particular accent.

On one such occasion, a good friend from college (yes, LSU) and I were talking when over my shoulder I hear “There it is!” from my wife. She and a friend were laughing at my friend and me who were having a chat over a couple of beers in full on Cajun accent. Just like that a story gets a life of it’s own. From that point on my wife enjoys reminiscing over that specific occasion to tell new friends about my Cajun accent. And really, it is hardly noticeable!

Recently, I came across a website with an item called “The Cajun Test.” I have to say that it was a great read on how most Hollywood TV or movie scripts get the depiction of Cajun life/speech so wrong. It was a fun read for this Cajun boy to remind me of the things I do not hear that much living here in Houston. Unless I am having a few beers with my friend and we get on a roll about our childhood lives.

P.S. My wife likes to joke about my accent but she was born in Mississippi and her Southern drawl comes out when she visits home! ‘Nuff said.