Eastern Algonquian languages facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eastern Algonquian
Eastern Algonkian
Geographic distribution:	Atlantic Coast of North America
Linguistic classification:	Algic Algonquian Eastern Algonquian
Proto-language:	Proto-Eastern Algonquian
Subdivisions:	Abenakian? Southern New England? Delawaran (Delaware and Mohican) Nanticockan? Powhatan Pamlico

The Eastern Algonquian languages are a special group of Algonquian languages. Before Europeans arrived, there were at least 17 different Eastern Algonquian languages. People who spoke these languages lived along the Atlantic coast of North America. This area stretched from what is now eastern Canada all the way down to North Carolina.

We don't have much information about all these languages. Some are only known from a few words or phrases. These were written down by missionaries, explorers, or early settlers. Many Eastern Algonquian languages were greatly affected by colonization. This led to people losing their land and their languages.

Today, some languages like Miꞌkmaq and Maliseet-Passamaquoddy still have many speakers. But others, like Western Abenaki and Lenape (Delaware), have very few speakers left.

What Makes Eastern Algonquian Special?

The Eastern Algonquian languages form a unique "family" within the larger Algonquian group. In historical linguistics, a "genetic subgroup" means these languages all came from one older language. This old language is called Proto-Eastern Algonquian (PEA).

Other Algonquian language groups, like Plains Algonquian and Central Algonquian, are named for where they are spoken. They are not considered a single language family in the same way.

Eastern Algonquian Language Families

Experts have grouped the known Eastern Algonquian languages and dialects. This helps us understand how they are related. Some languages are not well-known, so it's hard to be sure about their exact place.

Here are the main proposed groups:

• Abenakian
  • Miꞌkmaq
  • Abenaki
    • Western Abenaki
    • Eastern Abenaki † (extinct)
  • Maliseet-Passamaquoddy
  • Etchemin? † (extinct)
• Southern New England † (extinct)
  • Massachusett †
    • Wampanoag (New Massachusett)
  • Narragansett †
  • Loup A? †
  • Loup B? †
  • Quiripi †
  • Mohegan-Pequot †
• Delawaran
  • Mahican †
  • Delaware
    • Munsee
    • Unami †
• Nanticockan † (extinct)
  • Nanticoke †
  • Piscataway †
• Powhatan † (extinct)
• Pamlico † (extinct)

Saving and Bringing Back Languages

Many people are working hard to save and bring back Eastern Algonquian languages and cultures. One group leading this effort is the Medicine Singers (also known as 'Eastern Medicine Singers'). They work with many other tribes and tribal members.

They also partner with groups like the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust. Other partners include Atelier Jaku (a theater and education company), record labels like Joyful Noise Recordings and Stone Tapes, and producer Yonatan Gat.

Their work includes:

• Educational talks and workshops.
• Storytelling events.
• Traditional ceremonies.
• Making and performing music with lyrics sung in Eastern Algonquian languages.

The first album by the Medicine Singers is called Daybreak.

See also

In Spanish: Lenguas algonquinas orientales para niños

• Algonquian languages
• Algonquian peoples
• Proto-Algonquian language