French explorers first put their steaks in the ground more than a quarter century ago. The region on which the French chose to build their lives eventually became Louisiana. Although time has passed, French influence continues to be an important part of Louisiana's unique culture ("How the French Influence is Still Felt in Louisiana Today"). Notable areas of French influence include, but are not limited to: cuisine, music and architecture. However, the persistence of the French language and dialects over the years seems to be the most notable influence French has had on Louisiana ("How the French Influence is Still Felt in Louisiana Today"). The unique type of language found exclusively in Louisiana is called Louisiana French. This language is found primarily in southern Louisiana. Louisiana French is divided into two other subcategories: Cajun French and Louisiana Creole (“French”, 2012). These two subgroups may share the French language, but it is important to recognize and understand the differences between the two. Alongside their origins, Cajun French and Louisiana Creole also take on various aspects of the French language, to form their own exclusive version (“French”). The larger of the two subgroups, Cajun French, is better known in today's society. like Louisiana French. The Cajuns are an ethnic group made up of Acadian exiles. The Acadians are a group of French speakers who traveled from Canada to Louisiana in the late 18th century. The reason they were forced to leave Acadia was the British conquest. The language of the Acadians comes from the French of 17th century France. Once arrived and settled... middle of paper......ve. Regardless of which side of the spectrum a person may fall on, the history of the French language in Louisiana runs deep. It was introduced to this land in the 18th century as Europeans emigrated from France and Acadian refugees ventured from Canada. French was the language of Louisiana. As mentioned previously, efforts are being made to preserve the general French language and Louisiana context (“Parle-Vous? Some Louisiana Students Being Immersed in French Education,” 2011). Louisiana currently has thirty schools that offer the French immersion program. CODOFIL is working diligently to increase the number of schools offering French immersion programs. It is crucial that these programs are implemented in order to preserve a unique and particular characteristic of Louisiana (“Parle-Vous? Some Louisiana students being immersed in French education »").