This series is produced in partnership with Louisiana Public Broadcasting, demystifying Kouri-Vini, the endangered Creole language of Louisiana. Hosted by international artist, producer, and Creole culture activist Clif St. Laurent, the series blends history, linguistics, and myth-busting with practical lessons to equip viewers with a foundational understanding of the language through community engagement and interviews with native and fluent speakers in real-world contexts.
Kouri-Vini 101 Episodes
The History and Development of Louisiana Creole + Greetings
In the premiere episode, host Clif St. Laurent dismantles the long-standing myth that Kouri-Vini originated from Haiti, exploring the true historical and linguistic roots of the language—while also teaching essential greetings and introductions.
Sentence Structure and Personal Pronouns
In episode 2, we learn about the syntax (sentence structure) as Clif St. Laurent meets Herbert Wiltz in the historic village of Vermilionville in Lafayette, Louisiana.