Biography
Originally from a small Midwestern town and born into an urban family of French-speaking musicians, artists and speakers, I have always been immersed in French and American cultures. Between 1995 and 1997, I studied at the School of Music at Loyola University-New Orleans. Since then, I have always been struck by the rich musical cultures and francophone heritage of the city and Southwest Louisiana. I then lived in Los Angeles where I finished my undergraduate studies in film, music, and theater. I have lived in France since 2001 where I discovered archaeology and sociolinguistics, and realized several artistic projects, either in music, photography or cinema. All in all, these projects have allowed me to develop artistic and methodological skills for university research.
Research
As the daily use of the French language is dying out along with the older generation, music is often the principal means by which young Louisianans express their francophone identity; their songs are a linguistic expression of their culture(s). New Orleans and Southwest Louisiana have always been conscious of their francophone past. Focusing on the linguistic and cultural identity of the younger francophone and francophile generation, my study analyzes the promotion and preservation of French-speaking cultures through music and language practices in Louisiana.
This study examines how Louisiana French is represented by the state’s evolving musical traditions (Cajun, Zydeco), and how the contemporary generation of francophone musicians reclaim their rich heritage. Given the decline of native variations of French and Creole in Louisiana, I aim to demonstrate the value of musical performance in preserving French language and culture. As American culture has become more and more of a dominating force especially since World War II in Louisiana (Bernard 2003), music is one of the most important venues of expressing this culture. Focusing on musicians who play primarily Cajun and Zydeco music, my research examines social and linguistic attitudes, linguistic practices in Louisiana French, and Creole and Cajun identities in the context of increasing globalization and English/American dominance.
