For local attorney David Marcantel, French is more than a language.

It is the culture of Louisiana. One that many feel has become a dying art as younger generations forgo the language of their ancestors.

On Tuesday, a group of Francophones (speakers of the French language) and Francophiles (people that want to be a part of the French culture) met at the Zigler Art Museum to practice speaking French as part of a French table program.

Marcantel said the goal of the program is to revive, preserve and grow the French language and emphasize the importance of passing the language to future generations.

“It’s about not having our language die out,” Marcantel siad.

A second French table will be held 10 a.m.-Noon on Thursday, July 18 at the Zigler Art Museum, 154 N. Main St. The event is open free to all ages and skill levels.

The gatherings offer a place for local residents to practice speaking French and develop their language skills while enjoying casual conversations and a cup of coffee around a table. It’s also an opportunity for the group to share stories, experiences and memories related to the French language.

“We want to have people continue using the French language, “ Marcantel said. “Not just study it, but use it in their daily lives.”

Marcantel said many people in the Jennings area learned the language as a child because it was the only language spoken in their household or by their grandparents.

“But we are losing those people and need to pass it on to the younger generation,” he said. “The French table is a good way to do that.”

Pat Forestier grew up speaking French in her family and still speaks it today, but is hoping to expand what she has learned.

“I’ve always spoken French from the time I was a child and continued it as I got older,” she said.

She grew up with a grandfather who only spoke French.

As a mother and grandmother, Forestier has been able to pass a few phrases and words on to her children and grandchildren.

Natalie D’Aquin, who has relatives in Nova Scotia, was raised to speak both English and French.

“I want to learn to continue my education and hopefully bring back the language,” she said. “I enjoy speaking French and learning new things.”

Simone Marcantel, who says French is her first language, is concerned the language is having to compete with other languages, including Spanish.

“I want to preserve it and keep it going because it is a part of the history of our state,” she said. “Louisiana would not be what it is today without it.”

Marcantel said she tries to use French whenever she is speaking to her family and friends.

“It’s an important part of our culture and language is a part of identifying ourselves,” she said.