Archangel's Shadows

Acknowledgments

As Janvier was born over two hundred years ago in Louisiana, he speaks Cajun French perfectly. He also speaks French as it is spoken in France, thanks to his years spent acting as a courier, but Cajun French is his mother tongue and a language I wanted to incorporate into the book because it’s an integral part of him.

I would like to thank Lori and Michael Leger for translating a number of words and terms into Cajun French for me. I’d also like to thank the many people who maintain online websites dedicated to the Cajun French language.

Of particular help were Louisiana State University’s Cajun French–English glossary, Learn Louisiana French’s list of proverbs and sayings, LouisianaCajunSlang.com’s list of expressions, and Clarence’s list of Cajun Cuss Words on CajunRadio.org. (Be careful when speaking French in Louisiana! Some words that wouldn’t be considered rude in France will be in Louisiana, and vice versa.)

My thanks also to Laura Florand for help with standard French terms.

Last but never least, I’d like to thank my readers, many of whom pointed me in the direction of various resources when I posted the research request online. You are awesome covered in awesome-sauce.

Any errors in the language or its usage are, of course, mine. I also admit to a bit of artistic license in using terms and phrases originating from a number of different regions within Louisiana. I figure a vampire who has lived over two centuries would have traveled and picked up bits and pieces here and there (maybe from other immortals and near-immortals!).

Before I go, I’d like to make a note about the use of the word cher. It is sometimes believed that this is an incorrect usage of the word chère. However, cher (pronounced sha) is part of the Cajun French language. It is a fluid word whose meaning can change in context or with the tone of the speaker. When it comes to Janvier, he only ever uses it with Ashwini, no one else. It is very much a term of affection, of love for his one and only Ashblade.