Anyone familiar with my work knows I have a special affection for that part of Louisiana known as Acadiana. My interest has roots in family, even though it was the music that first drew my attention, and branches into history, linguistics, and a love for unique and fragile environments. In Cry Wolf, as in my previous books set in south Louisiana, I have done my best to bring to you the feel and flavor of bayou country. I have made a special effort to portray some of the cultural diversity of the area through the use of local dialects-in particular, through the use of a number of Cajun French words and phrases. A glossary of these words and phrases can be found at the back of the book.

Cajun French is a distinct language born in France and raised in Louisiana. About sixty percent of the words in the Cajun vocabulary can be found in a standard French dictionary. The rest are unique to the patois, words and phrases that evolved out of necessity to fit the environment and the people living in it.

My sources for the Cajun French used in Cry Wolf include Conversational Cajun French by Harry Jannise and Randall P. Whatley, and A Dictionary of the Cajun Language by the Reverend Monsignor Jules O. Daigle, M.A., S.T.L., a complete source and especially wonderful defense of a language that deserves to live on and flourish.

In a world where we are in reasingly pressured to conform and homogenize, ethnic diversity is a precious gift. My sincere thanks to the people who strive to preserve and nourish such endangered species as the Cajun language. Merci Boucoup.

Tami Hoag