Hear our Unique Dialect
Acadians from each region in the world have accents unique to that region. In French, this is known as “patois”, and it is often said that these accents can distinguish the area of France from which people originate.
For example, the common word, “oui” translates to “yes” and is pronounced “we” in English. However, Acadians in some areas say oué, (English pronunciation “way”). In other areas, you will hear ouà, (English pronunciation “wa”). And still other areas, Acadians will pronounce the same word “ouaille” (English pronunciation “why”).
Not only do Acadians pronounce some words differently, depending upon the region, but they also use words unique to their culture. An excellent source of these unique Acadian words can be found in the book by Yves Cormier, “Dictionnaire du français acadien”, published by Edition Fides.
Examples of Acadian Words
Bénaise: happy or glad
Bouchûre: fence
Calotte: cap or hat
Chavirer: to turn upside down or to knock something over
Claper: to clap or applaud
Embourrer: to wrap
Galette: cookie or tea biscuit
Garrocher: to throw
Grouiller: to move or to stir
Guetter: to wait
Hardes: article of clothing
Itou: too or also
Septante: seventy