New England French

Population speaking French at home in New England, sum by county

Champlain's Map of Plymouth Harbor

Bulletin de la société historique franco-américaine

Alliance des Journaux Franco-Americains de la Nouvelle Angleterre

Total New England French-language newspapers of by municipality (1838-1938)

New England French refers to the variety of French spoken in the New England region of the United States. This dialect is primarily spoken by descendants of French Canadians who migrated to the United States from Canada, especially Quebec and the Maritimes, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. New England French is part of the larger group of French dialects in North America, which includes Quebec French, Acadian French, and Louisiana French.

History

The history of New England French is closely tied to the pattern of French Canadian immigration to the United States. Starting in the mid-19th century, economic hardship in Quebec led many French Canadians to seek better opportunities in the United States, particularly in New England's burgeoning mill towns. Cities such as Lewiston, Manchester, Fall River, and Woonsocket became centers of French Canadian culture and language.

Characteristics

New England French shares many characteristics with Quebec French, due to the common origin of their speakers. However, it has also been influenced by English, leading to unique lexical, phonetic, and grammatical features. For example, New England French speakers may use English loanwords or calques (literal translations of English phrases into French), and they may exhibit a different accent or pronunciation from speakers of French in Canada.

Preservation and Decline

Throughout the 20th century, the use of New England French began to decline. This was due to a combination of factors, including assimilation into English-speaking society, the stigmatization of French as a language of the lower class, and the lack of formal education in French for children of French Canadian immigrants. However, there have been efforts to preserve and revitalize the language, including French language education programs and cultural organizations that promote French Canadian and Acadian heritage in New England.

Cultural Impact

The presence of French Canadians and their descendants in New England has had a lasting impact on the region's culture. This includes the establishment of French Canadian and Acadian festivals, the presence of French-language media, and the popularity of certain French Canadian foods. The influence of New England French and its speakers is a testament to the enduring connections between New England and the Francophone world of North America.

See Also

• French Canadians
• Acadians
• Quebec French
• Language preservation