Mitchigamea language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michigamea |
|
|---|---|
| Mihshikamiia | |
| Region | Arkansas in the United States |
| Extinct | 18th century? |
| Language family |
Siouan
|
| Linguist List | cmm |
The Michigamea language (also called Mitchigamea) was spoken by the Mitchigamea people. It is now an extinct language, meaning no one speaks it today. It likely disappeared sometime in the 18th century.
Understanding the Michigamea Language
The Michigamea language was a unique part of the history of the Mitchigamea people. Learning about it helps us understand more about their culture and how they communicated.
How Michigamea Was Used
In 1673, two French explorers, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, met with different Native American groups. They needed help to talk to the Quapaw people, who spoke a Siouan language. The explorers used a Michigamea man as a translator. This man could speak some Illinois, but not very well. He helped bridge the language gap between the French, who spoke Illinois, and the Quapaw.
What Kind of Language Was It?
Experts have studied the Michigamea language to understand its origins. In the mid-1700s, a person named Jean Bernard Bossu wrote down two sentences in Michigamea. Based on these sentences, language experts like John Koontz believe that Michigamea was a Siouan language. It belonged to a group called the Mississippi Valley branch of Siouan languages. This means it was related to other languages spoken in the Mississippi River area.
