Mohawk Dutch facts for kids

Mohawk Dutch was a special language that mixed Dutch and Mohawk words. It was spoken a long time ago, mostly in the 1600s. People used it in an area of North America near what is now Albany, New York. This language was used by Dutch settlers who traded with or lived near the Mohawk people.

What Was Mohawk Dutch?

Mohawk Dutch was a creole language. This means it was a new language created when two other languages blended. It combined parts of the Dutch language and the Mohawk language. It was mainly spoken by Dutch colonists. These colonists lived and traded with the Mohawk people. The Mohawk are a Native American nation.

How Did This Language Start?

During the 1600s, the Dutch Republic had a colony in North America called New Netherland. Many different languages were spoken there. Dutch settlers often married Native American women. Most of these women were from the Mohawk nation. The Dutch and Mohawk people were strong allies.

The children of these marriages often moved between the lands of the Iroquois Confederacy and New Netherland. Because of this, they created a new language. This language, Mohawk Dutch, took parts from both Dutch and Mohawk.

When Did Mohawk Dutch Disappear?

Mohawk Dutch slowly disappeared over time. It was no longer spoken by the 20th century. Researchers once recorded a lullaby that was thought to be in Mohawk Dutch. However, it turned out to be mostly German. It had only a few Dutch words and one word that likely came from a local Native American language.