PORT NECHES, Texas — Cajun French is a unique dialect only found in a small region of the world.
Its influence can be heard in Southeast Texas music and even seen as the names of many local streets.
However, Cajun French is fast approaching extinction as its speakers age without passing it on, with around 120,000 speakers left in its birthplace of Louisiana according to the last U.S. census.
James Tomplait of Port Neches is determined to not let the language go gentle into that good night though.
The 82-year-old Tomplait is fighting diligently to keep the language of his ancestors alive.
"We're all losing what little French that we do know, I miss being able to talk to people," said Tomplait.
With this in mind, Tomplait started the French Communication Club in Port Neches, to simply talk as well as share memories and stories.
"My mother and daddy, the only time they spoke French was when they didn't want me to know what they were saying. Sometimes my mother was saying a dirty joke," said a laughing Tomplait.
Members also share how they first learned the language.
"I stayed every weekend with my grandmother and I'd get over there and when we'd get together I says, 'well now how, what does this mean?' and I'd try to remember how they'd say it," said Tomplait. "She'd say 'mais, you don't repeat this but this is what it means,' and I just worshipped that grandmother like nobody's business between her and French music, it's how I learned what little bit of French I do know."
Tomplait encourages those who are fluent in Cajun French to their part to help keep the language alive.
The club meets twice a month at the Hebert Library in Port Neches, a session in the morning and one at night.
"We're going to learn from each other," said Tomplait.
Tomplait is hopeful that the seats will slowly but surely begin to fill up, as Southeast Texans breathe new life into the language of their heritage.
"With this we will be able to redevelop, and be able to have just a monthly meeting that we can sit around and talk French," said Tomplait.
For more information on these meeting you can find the meeting times on the Hebert Library Facebook page, the library also posts the week's schedule on its outdoor sign.
