Ecole Pointe-au-Chien, a public French immersion school in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, is designed to teach local French dialects to students. It addresses the loss of French speakers in the area by immersing children in the language their ancestors once spoke. Founders believe this approach is unique in the state, focusing on Cajun and native dialects to reconnect students with their cultural roots. As the principal, Christine Verdin, states, losing language equates to losing culture—a sentiment echoed by linguistics experts in showcasing the connection between language and identity.
"When you lose the language, then you're losing your culture," says Christine Verdin, the principal of Ecole Pointe-au-Chien, highlighting the school's mission to revive local dialects.
"The way you speak tells people about who you are," says Nathalie Dajko, emphasizing the significance of language in reflecting cultural identity and heritage.
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