Way-Back Wednesday: That Cajun Sound

One of my guilty pleasures is watching Swamp People on the History Channel. Reason being: I've always been amazed that a place so close to me (cajun Louisiana) is sooo completely different. I mean, I can get there in a car within 3 hours, and the terrain even looks like I never left home, yet I cannot understand a word they say!

Anyway, my favorite in the cast is Troy (you can hear his voice at this link):

Troy Landry (at Right with son Jacob)

I mention hearing Troy's voice because I have this strange attraction to it. And frankly, I've wondered why? Well, while idly surfing (ok, not really true, I always have a definite surfing destination, I just always get detoured on side streets), I happened upon a Blast from the Past...a Way-Back Machine Gem...that I think explains in part my love of listening to Troy.

Anyone remember this man?



There was once upon a time on television, where the only cooking show hosts were Justin Wilson and Julia Childs, both on PBS. The above video, which is quite entertaining, is apparently from the 1970's. The film's video and audio qualities, as well as the kitchen pots, bowls and appliances, pretty much give this away. Plus, I was there, I remember. This was pre-MTV and cable (which came onto the scene in Houston around 1981 or so.)

I can remember my mom or my dad watching one of these shows and yelling at me to go run get a notepad so I could help write down the ingredients. Between us both, we could usually get it all, but there were a few times when we couldn't and so that recipe never got made. Wow, how times have changed with VCRs, DVRs, and the internet and all, huh?

I enjoy kicking back and listening to storytelling like Wilson's. It reminds me of when all the comics had LP records. Bill Cosby's were probably my most fave of all.

When I said I can't understand Cajun, I'm exxagerating. I can understand it, it just takes me a while like my brain is on a delay, to re-assemble the language. It just kills me how Wilson uses the wrong verb tense practically all the time: did for do, took for take, etc. Love that. I've caught Troy on Swamp People doing the same thing, and every Cajun I've ever known does likewise.

Funny how regional dialects develop and remain. And everybody has one. Remember this when you feel the urge to make fun of the way someone talks. You probably sound to them as you think they sound. I just hope I'm a tenth as entertaining as old Mr. "I Guarantee".

P.S. - Incidentally, that Gumbo recipe on the video is worth its weight in gold if you are looking for the real deal. I guarantee! {winkwink}