Council for the Development of French in Louisiana
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The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) was created in 1968 by the Louisiana state legislature. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to renewing the population of French speakers in Louisiana. For the last 50 years, the number of French speaking Louisianians has fallen as older generations dwindle in numbers, and younger generations eschew the French language for English exclusively. By renewing the interest and providing the instruction, it is hoped that younger Louisianians will continue the traditional French language.
The version of French used in south Louisiana by the older generations is particular to the region. It is closest to Acadian, a French-Canadian dialect from the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The differences are mostly academic, as native French speaking Cajuns can communicate reasonably well with nearly any French speaker from anywhere in the world.
Philosophy of the organization
Legislative Act No. 409 Council for the Development of French in Louisiana or CODOFIL is empowered to "do any and all things necessary to accomplish the development, utilization, and preservation of the French language as found in Louisiana for the cultural, economic and touristic benefit of the state".
Vision Statement - To give to the French-speaking communities of Louisiana the means necessary to live their lives in French.
Mission Statement - Our Mission is two-fold: to offer Louisiana’s citizens, whether they be of French ancestry or not, the opportunity either to learn French or to enhance and utilize the French they already know; and to explore, understand and support Cajun, Creole and Francophone heritage in Louisiana for the cultural, economic and touristic benefit of all its citizens.
Philosophy - We treasure our past to enrich our future by affirming our Franchophone identity through education (Goal I), community outreach (Goal II) and international exchanges (Goal III).
See also
External link
CODIFIL (http://www.codofil.org)