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I've been to both. New Orleans is a unique twist on American culture not found anywhere else. However, Montreal is a completely different culture - different language, different currency, different measurement system, etc. Montreal and Quebec feel like a foreign country within Canada. So, I would call that more unique.
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Originally Posted by sav858
How are those two things unique? All of Canada has a different currenty and measurement system than the US.
This is exactly how I feel as an American toward Montreal, although point taken for Sav858. This is an extremely tough one for me and I could easily voted the other way.
I know that, but at this point it's mostly for show. New Orleans probably has fewer French speakers than NYC, Boston or LA.
The only part of Louisiana where there are decent numbers of French speakers left is the Cajun country around Lafayette.
It's even ridiculous that this conversation is being had. NOLA is unique but not for her frenchness.
One city you have to ask the locals if they speak english to communicate. The other city you speak english to communicate. It's black and white like that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Acajack
I don't understand the constant comparisons between the two.
New Orleans is a unique and fascinating city, but there isn't really much that is French about it. Not its language, not its inhabitants (for the most part), not its architecture, not its music.
Some people seem to be under the mistaken impression that the uniqueness of New Orleans is due to some type of "Frenchness", but this is a false impression.
What makes New Orleans what it is, is New Orleans. Not French.
If anything, the most French place in the United States is probably Madawaska in northern Maine!
I disagree. New Orleans was a French city until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, so it's French roots are deep. From the architecture, to the culinary influences, to the strong Cajun/Creole influence, especially via the West Indies in the music, food, customs (Mardi Gras). Those Cajun who still live there speak a distinct dialect which includes a lot of French. It's not as French as Montreal, of course, but it's still a pretty French city. More a colonial French city though than the France of today, which is the difference.
I'd say New Orleans is more unique as a city simply because Montreal still has Quebec City, whereas I can't think of a single city in North America that is like New Orleans. It's a mix of Dixie and the Caribbean.
I'd say New Orleans is more unique as a city simply because Montreal still has Quebec City, whereas I can't think of a single city in North America that is like New Orleans. It's a mix of Dixie and the Caribbean.
Has Louisiana sought to secede as an independent entity from the rest of the US? That should provide your answer.
Certain groups have tried to rally enough followers. One group even posted frequently in the Louisiana forum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Acajack
I know that, but at this point it's mostly for show. New Orleans probably has fewer French speakers than NYC, Boston or LA.
The only part of Louisiana where there are decent numbers of French speakers left is the Cajun country around Lafayette.
No it not for show, majority are native French speakers. Who learns a foreign language in and American, English speaking city, just for "show"?
Actually it would be Cajun country starting south of Lafayette along Hwy 90 through the bayou parishes of Lafourche, Terrebone, Iberia, etc. There's also a decent amount of French speakers left in metro New Orleans in towns such as Chalmette. The towns along the river also have French speakers.
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LOL