Louisianian First Person

[ButtermilkRanger]

Mr. Holloway mentioned some great points about the Feds brushing up on their Iowan history before jumping into first person at IPW. As a native Louisianian, I'd like to suggest the same. The CS forces are portraying a Louisiana unit and it would be a nice touch to actually know something about our state. Louisiana is a rather unique state. We've got a lot in common with our sister southern states, but we've got so many other cultural influences that make us unique. We talk a little different, worship a little differently, and definitely eat a little different than the rest of the south. Despite the misconception, we're not all Cajuns and we don't all speak French. No one can deny our French heritage, but neither can they deny the Spanish, Scots-Irish, West Idies, African and American Indian influences, either. The hard part about accurately portraying a 19th Century Louisianian is that the state, as small as it is, is really divided into four or five different cultural regions. Each with its own peculiar dialect, accent, foods, religion and customs.

I'm by no means an export on Louisiana History, but I believe I can hold my own. If you have any questions about the social or political climate of the Bayou State in the mid 19th Century, just let me know. I'm here to help any way I can.

[Jubilo]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Dear Sir,
I ain't much on the Dutch but my Louisianan comrades inform me that there was a large German presence in New Orleans and the state. Come to think on it, most of them fellers have German surnames !
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[madasabagofcats]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Well, as a fairly recent immigrunt to your fine State and only just missin' out on a place in Rob Wheat's fine er, band of men due to being even too dodgy to be a Tiger (grrrrrr,) I shall be regaling the local boys with some tales of mishaps and duckin' and divin' in the fair cities of Liverpool and London.

That's if they don't buck and gag me after the first half-hour....

[Auld Pelty]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Chris,

When you go back to England, you can regale those folks with tales of scousing yankees in Louisiana and eating snakes.

[Mcouioui]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Les francophones seront là aussi ;)

[Dan Hadley]

Re: Louisianian First Person

One of the many rewards of this hobby I enjoy is the education I get when researching histories prior to an event, whether for my general edification or in preparation for potential first person situations.

We've been provided with some great references for the history of the 28th LA- their history, where they hailed from etc., which has prompted more investigation into the area of Winn Parish and the surrounding region. A unique problem that has vexed me however, which the written word cannot always provide a solution to, is the correct pronunciation of many of the place names throughout NW Louisiana (or the whole state, for that matter). A beautiful but sometimes perplexing mix of French, Spanish, Native and other tongues.

For example, the pronunciation of French place names I can get a handle on, but even within that context, you have the "proper" and the "vernacular" versions- example: "Bossier City" (Bo-see-ay vs. Bo-zhur). Then the Native names can require some tutoring for an outsider. At BGR I learned that nearby Natchitoches is pronounced like Nack-a-toshe. There are other names that maybe aren't as tough, that I wonder about the 'correct' or 'local' pronunciation of, such as Bienville, Rapides, Caddo, etc.

Most times I wouldn't immerse myself that deeply in preparation, but an event like this, where we are expected to maintain fir pir at all times for five straight days, a person might want to have a little store of information to draw on, to contribute into conversation when appropriate, or if asked.

Mispronounced place names are a dead giveaway, and a firpir buzz kill for someone acting as if they're from the region. But then, I wouldn't dare attempt an accent for this dialect either, so maybe the expectations won't be that high for a midwesterner trying to pretend he's a Louisianan.

I know- for the 3rd anniversary event that Fred & Tom put on (crossing fingers here), there should be a week-long immersion boot camp BEFORE the actual event, to better acquaint ourselves with local history and customs, which would necessarily include indiginous food & drink, and maybe a sighting of the bayou yeti. = )

[yipper]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Mr. Hadley,

I live here in Natchitoches Parish during the week, as I work on the Kisatchie Ranger District, and then retreat down south to Opelousas on the weekends.

For starters, Natchitoches is pronounced “nack-uh-tish” not “toshe”.
Bienville---bee-in-vill
Rapides---rap-peeds
Caddo---kad-doh

The 28th was recruited from the north central and north western parishes and are more typical of the upland south elsewhere than what folks expect from the Acadian parishes. Natchitoches Parish had early French influence, but not Cajun..

And folks should beware the loup garou…

Regards,

geoffrey lehmann

[Mcouioui]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Le Yéti du Bayou Frightened more than Loup Garou And then I have some transilvanien blood, I am protected... :) :) :)

[madasabagofcats]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Chris,

When you go back to England, you can regale those folks with tales of scousing yankees in Louisiana and eating snakes.

Blimey Fergus....eating snakes? How do ya cook 'em?

Ah! I've got it....you get 'em to swallow a ramrod and pop em on a loooooong fire...

[Auld Pelty]

Re: Louisianian First Person

You're damn straight Chris. We gonna have big fun on the bayou.

And I don't pretend to know what William said, but if you like frog legs, then you'll love rattlesnakes. That is only kind of snake I will eat.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Oh how, I wish I could help you guys do a real Louisiana impression. However, as my Unit is back on the list to deploy, and how I have to be in MA to train with the Modern Army during the time of this event, I can only wish you all the best, and have fun. I will be back soon and show you guys how to do is right.

[Old Reb]

Re: Louisianian First Person

The three companies represented are from north central Louisiana and that area is and was largely Anglo/Protestant.

[biddler165]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Tom,
Since I am Italian / Catholic, am I still permitted to attend?

[Old Reb]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Rick,
I said largely! That would not exclude an Italian Catholic from attending. I just don't want people confusing north Louisiana with south Louisiana and hearing a bunch of phony Cajun accents. Real Cajun accents are good. Fake ones aren't. Louisiana regiments were probably the most diverse ethincally in the South. But again, the 28th Louisiana was from north central Louisiana, not south Louisiana.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Louisianian First Person

Tom your right,

The 16th LA INF, pretty much proves that theory to a degree. However, our roster pretty much now tells the time of the period. I am half Catholic and Methodist. But I bet everyone in Louisiana can cook a gumbo, or at least drinks wine!

Again, wish I could be there... hope you guys have a great time. Will be in MA thinking about you all.