Creole is a language widely spoken in present and former sugar cane plantation areas in South Central and Southeast Louisiana. It is spoken primarily by black residents whose ancestors brought it from the Caribbean in the early 9th century. Although English is practically always the dominant language, Creole can frequently be heard in familiar contexts and at certain traditional "country" activities. It is also frequently used in times of stress and as a "secret language". Further, the public use of Creole as a symbol of commonness and identity among group members can be strong on certain occasions.