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French is an official language in 27 independent nations. French is also the second most geographically widespread language in the world after English, with about 50 countries and territories having it as a de jure or de facto official, administrative, or cultural language. [1]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2011), French is the fourth [101] most-spoken language in the United States after English, Spanish, and Chinese, when all forms of French are considered together and all languages of Chinese are similarly combined. French remains the second most-spoken language in the states of Louisiana and Maine.
Also, a large migration of French speaking Cajuns expanded to Texas. It was common for performers to sing in both French and English and borrow heavily from the popular country music and Texas swing music on the radio. Harry Choates recorded the first national Cajun hit song,"'Jolie Blonde", in 1946.
French is regionally spoken, with a special law on French-language services. [76] In Newfoundland and Labrador, in the autonomous area of Nunatsiavut, English and Inuttut are co-official [77] There is also a particular provincial French Language Services Policy [78] In Port au Port Peninsula French language is used as well. [79] [80] [81]
The early songs were mixtures of la la, contra dances, reels and jigs and other folk influences from Black, white and Native American traditions. Early song lyrics were entirely in Cajun French. Though songwriting in French is still common, today some Cajun music is sung in English with younger singers and audiences.
English is an official language in Guyana, and its creole form is the country's most widely spoken language. English is also the official language in the territories of the Falkland Islands (Spanish: Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. French is the official language in French Guiana, an overseas region of France.
Séga music is a popular style that mixes African and European music. The most popular sega musicians include Ousanousava, Baster, Maxime Laope. Maloya music has a strong African element reflected in the use of slave chants and work songs. The most popular sega musicians include Danyèl Waro, Firmin Viry, Granmoun Lélé, Mars tou sèl.
New England French (French: français de Nouvelle-Angleterre) is a variety of French spoken in the New England region of the United States. [4] It descends from Canadian French because it originally came from French Canadians who immigrated to New England during the Grande Hémorragie .