November CROSSROADS Language Studio’s Newsletter 2007
Let the Good Times Roll
Nestled deeply south in theUS state of Louisiana is aFrenchethnic
minority
known as the Cajuns. Once anisolated country people, they are now popularly
known for their love of music, food, and “joie devivre” or “joy of living”.
The Cajuns originally settled in the Canadianprovince of Acadia, but were expelled by the
English during the French and Indian war of
the 18th century. (The name “Cajun” actuallycomes from an English mispronunciation of theword “Acadian”.) Throughout the years inLouisiana, Cajuns were discriminated against
for their differences. Even in the 20th century,Cajuns were treated harshly, and children werepunished severely for speaking Cajun-French inschool. Consequently, much of the culture
faded, and the language has nearly
disappeared.
Beginning in the 50s, a revival in Cajun
culture began, and Cajuns went from estranged
to esteemed. Cajun food, known for its seafood
and heavy spices, consistently attracts visitorsfrom neighboring states. The more popular
recipes include gumbo, a heavy roux-based
stew, and boiled crawfish. Boiling crawfish is
usually a big event that includes large, spiced potsof crawfish and vegetables thatare shared by many people –from an extended family tomultiple communities.
Cajun music, particularly Cajuninfluenced Zydeco, is unique enough to be a subject ofstudy for ethnomusicologists from all around the world.
Zydeco is a music typically played in 2-step or waltz
time, using drums, guitar, bass, accordion, fiddle, andwashboard, and traditionally sung in Cajun-French.
Although they inhabit only a smallcorner of the world, it’s a small corner
that, thanks to the Cajuns, has a lot of love
for life!

Story by Michael"Bohemian", a term that surfaced in France inthe mid-19th century, was first associated withroving Gypsies. As it became more widely used,
it referred to people who preferred to lead a
non-traditional lifestyle such as artists, writers,andthosewhohadunorthodox
orantiestablishment political and social points ofview. Many of the greatest artists and writersof the late 19th and early 20th centuries in
Europe were thought of as “Bohemians”. But, it
might also be appropriate to think of America’s
Cajuns as bohemians too! There are many
similarities: Cajuns originally came fromFrance; they were very artistic, especiallymusically; sought an alternative lifestyle, andloved life! Had they remained in France,
perhaps many of them would be recognized
today among the greatest artists of that era.

Is this a modern trend in ethnicity? The latest
pop music craze in China features songs about
stock investments! It started on the Internet, as
so much does these days. With lyrics (aftertranslation) such as: “It’s not interesting unlesstheir value has doubled”, or “It’s really fun tomake profits from stocks I bought on a whim”,
we are left to ponder the evolution of modernsociety! Oh, for some good old fashioned 2-step
Zydeco music!
Colored words are in the glossary on page 2

NET LESSONS: Are you too busy to come to
CROSSROADS?.... Try our lessons on the Internet!
It’s CROSSROADS in your home or office! You get
CROSSROADS’ great teachers, teaching programs,
even classmates, on-line! Call for details: 089 9217595

NET SITE OF THE MONTH:
For some delicious Cajun recipes, go to:
http://www.experienceneworleans.com/recipes.html
NET NOTEBOOK: Don’t forget to take a look at
the Internet activity notebook in our open-house.
You’ll find games, news and English learning sites.

Joshua Says: Well, we had another successful “Performance Night” this month.
As it was a long weekend, some students could not make it, but those who did
come, put on a great show! Congratulations to all performers. The mostgratifying thing I am noticing each time you perform is the improving level ofEnglish – not just during your performances, but also at the party afterwards!
Junko Says: I’d like to express our thanks to Adrienne for doing a great job
teaching our Saturday and Wednesday students, as well as our piano students! I
know they will all miss you, but we also know that family comes first.
Crossroads, both students and staff, wish you the best and we all hope you takegreat care of yourself, as well as your family!
Michael Says: I was out swimming in the ocean recently with a couple of friends. Viewed from thebeach, the water looked pretty calm, with only small waves here and there. The swim was pretty relaxing atfirst, but soon I realized I was moving faster and faster by the coral and seaweed below me. I was caught in acurrent heading out to sea! I started to swim against it, but it was too strong. I grabbed a large rock as I
passed by, but it flipped over, revealing a hiding shrimp. So I began to turn myself to swim with the current,
but angled towards shore, when I came face to face with a squid the size of my forearm. It was very beautiful.

Iain Says: What a great Performance Night. Every term the quality of theperformances goes up. I hope more students can come and watch them next term. Thoseof you that couldn’t make it wouldn’t believe the quality of our student’s presentations.
They must be seen to be believed! I also want to bid farewell to Adrienne. I will misschatting with you on Saturdays. Please come back and “bother” us anytime you like!
Adrienne Says: It’s hard to say this, but I won’t be working at Crossroads
anymore. I have to spend more time with my family on Weekends. My second
son is studying for university exams, and my mother will come to Japan thisspring. I will miss all of you, but if you see me walking around Okaido, wearing
very gaudy clothes, please say “hello”!
Greg Says: The recent price hikes in oil prices is starting to really annoy me. Ibought my airline tickets for Australia a few months back but because of theincreases in oil prices, the airlines are constantly passing on the increased costs tothe customers. Even though I have paid the money and have the tickets at home, theairlines want me to pay even more money on top to cover the oil price increases. Are
they kidding or what???? I have already paid but they want me to pay more.

(These words are in color in the story on page 1)

ethnic 人種のisolated 孤立した
expelled 追放された
harshly 無情に
severely きびしく
consistently 一貫して
stew シチュー
roving 放浪する
appropriate 適切で(ある)ponder 熟考する
unorthodox 非伝統的なEveryone’s invited to our Christmas Party – 16/12/’07 start: 6:30pm.
Bring along you favourite food and drinks and invite all your friends!

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