Revisiting 1972 survey on state of the French language

The second Tuesday Talk of the summer at the Acadian Museum will bring together three Island Acadians: Father Albin Arsenault, Donald Arsenault and Claudette Thériault. In 1972, they were part of a team of 12 young people who conducted a survey on the state and future of the French language on Prince Edward Island. The project entitled “Regards sur l’avenir de la langue française sur l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard,” was conducted during the summer months, when the Evangeline Region students interviewed a number of people in their home area as well as in West Prince, Miscouche, Summerside, and Rustico. In the conclusion of their written report, the students stated that they were of the opinion that the French language would survive on the Island if the young people took the responsibility of improving the quality of their spoken French and of transmitting it to the next generation. They declared: “Les jeunes sont le sauvetage du français” (The young people are the guarantee of the future of the French language). The three participants at the talk – to be given in French – will share their memories of this survey and compare their findings of 46 years ago to the current state of French life on the Island. The talk be held July 17 at 7 p.m. At the end of the talk, the Sister Antoinette DesRoches Historical Committee will hand out the Gilbert Buote Award. This award, presented annually, recognizes outstanding projects in the field of Acadian history and heritage on Prince Edward Island. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Refreshments will be served after each presentation. The Acadian Museum of P.E.I. is located in Miscouche on Highway 2. For information call (902) 432-2880.