The French settled in Louisiana in the early 1800's. The origin of the settlers was Arcadian-Canadians I believe.
This is background for my question. We have a not-well educated friend from Louisiana and she pronounces oil as EARL. She pronounces point as PRUNT. I'm sure there are more.
The question, is there a French language background that would explain the "OI" to be pronounced "RU"?
She says this pronunciation is based on her family's speech.
Cajun Pronuciations
Re: Cajun Pronuciations
That R pops up a fair bit (where you wouldn't expect it) in rural USA accents. I don't think it's Cajun. It's more widespread than that.
ACCESS_POST_ACTIONS
Re: Cajun Pronuciations
It may be an equilibrium effect.....All those lost R's in Boston!
ACCESS_POST_ACTIONS
Signature: Harry Sargent
Re: Cajun Pronuciations
...and turning up in people's warshing machines and terlets
ACCESS_POST_ACTIONS
ACCESS_END_OF_TOPIC