The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana
Written by: Laura Pellerin
In 1968, Louisiana took an important step toward preserving one of the most distinctive parts of its cultural identity with the creation of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, commonly known as CODOFIL. The organization was established during a period when the use of French in Louisiana had declined significantly. For generations, French had been spoken in homes, communities, churches, and schools, particularly throughout southern Louisiana. By the middle of the twentieth century, however, social pressures, changes in education, and the growing dominance of English had placed Louisiana's French traditions at risk.
CODOFIL was created to help reverse that decline and encourage the continued use of French across the state. Its mission went beyond simply preserving a language. French in Louisiana was closely connected to the state's history, music, food, literature, traditions, and community life. Protecting the language therefore meant protecting an important part of Louisiana's cultural heritage.
The creation of CODOFIL also reflected a growing recognition that Louisiana's French identity was not a relic of the past but a living tradition capable of adapting to the modern world. The organization worked to encourage French-language education, expand opportunities for people to learn and use French, and strengthen relationships between Louisiana and French-speaking communities around the world. These efforts helped bring renewed attention to French culture at a time when many Louisiana families feared that the language might disappear from everyday life.
One of CODOFIL's most significant contributions was its role in promoting French education. Through partnerships with educators and French-speaking communities, the organization helped expand opportunities for students to study French in Louisiana schools. Teachers and cultural programs from other French-speaking regions also became part of this effort, giving Louisiana students opportunities to experience different varieties of the French language while remaining connected to their state's own traditions.
The founding of CODOFIL marked an important change in the way Louisiana approached its cultural heritage. Instead of allowing the state's French traditions to gradually disappear, Louisiana created an institution specifically dedicated to keeping them alive. The organization helped demonstrate that cultural preservation requires active participation, education, and investment from one generation to the next.
More than a governmental organization, CODOFIL became a symbol of Louisiana's determination to remember where it came from. Its work helped reinforce the idea that Louisiana's French heritage belongs not only in history books but also in classrooms, families, festivals, music, and everyday community life.
The establishment of CODOFIL in 1968 therefore stands as a significant moment in Louisiana history. It represented a commitment to preserving the state's French linguistic and cultural traditions while creating opportunities for those traditions to remain relevant in the future. Through its continued efforts, CODOFIL has helped ensure that French remains an important thread in the rich cultural fabric of Louisiana.
Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. “Mission.” CODOFIL, codofil.org/mission/. Accessed 10 Sept. 2026.Louisiana Department of Education. Louisiana Guide to Effective Dual Language Immersion Programming. Louisiana Department of Education, 2021, doe.louisiana.gov/docs/default-source/academic-standards/louisiana-guide-to-effective-dual-language-immersion-programming.pdf.University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Special Collections. “Collection 206: Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) Records, 1812–2017, n.d.” University of Louisiana at Lafayette, library.louisiana.edu/sites/library/files/CODOFIL.pdf.University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University Libraries. “Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections.” University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 22 July 2022, library.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20220722/fun-fact-friday-special-collections.Image: Artist Unknown. 2022.