From the author: "This dissertation explores the cultural identity of two Franco-American communities in the Mid-West [United States] to identify traits that continue to persist despite language loss due to prejudice and persecution. In this dissertation, I argue that cultural identity does continue in spite of language loss and that when language loss does occur, other identity traits, such as festivals and traditional celebrations take on a more profound and visible role in order to maintain this cultural identity.
"In 2006 and 2007, I observed the Guiannée (La Guiannée) of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, and of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, to understand how these two communities continue to express the culture of their French heritage. The Guiannée became the center of my research into understanding the maintenance of the Franco-American identity. This celebration continues each year on New Year's Eve and it is sung in French by members of the community who do not speak, read, or write in French, except in some cases for identifying places, people, or other celebrations."
