Though I am neither of French or Cajun descent, I’ve always been interested in their cultures which play such a big part in the overall culture of our state. I also have more than a passing interest in our state legislature.
I was recently drawn to a new law that just went into effect authorizing a new state “prestige” vehicle license plate with some French/Cajun phrases on them. I inquired the meaning of the words to be on the plates of some French and Cajun friends. As such, I still don’t know exactly the real meaning to be conveyed of the words on the license plates. Even moreso, I am concerned that like many pieces of legislation that pass annually, few read the law and even fewer understand it.
The legislation is Act No. 434 of the 2007 Regular Session. See law here. The phrases in question are: “Chez nous autres” and “La glaie bleue.”
Experts that I have contacted offer the following translation or translations and comments.
“Chez nous autres” means “With Us,” or “In Our Area,” or “At Home With Us,” or “In Our Country.” It can be translated in many other ways.
“La glaie bleue” means “The Blue Iris.” We Cajuns don’t know the name of the Blue Iris in French and so it does not mean anything to us.
I still ask, what does it mean? What’s the point? Would you buy such a license plate?
C.B.
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