Narragansett language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narragansett |
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| Native to | United States |
| Region | Rhode Island |
| Extinct | ~18th-19th century (?)
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| Language family |
Algic
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| Linguist List | xnt |
The location of the Narragansett tribe and their neighbors, c. 1600
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Narragansett is an Algonquian language. It was once spoken in most of what is now Rhode Island. The Narragansett people used this language. It was very similar to other Algonquian languages in southern New England. These include Massachusett and Mohegan-Pequot. The first person to study the language in English was Roger Williams. He founded the Rhode Island colony. He wrote about it in his book, A Key Into the Language of America (1643).
What Does "Narragansett" Mean?
The word Narragansett literally means "People of the Small Point." This "point" might be a special place near the Salt Pond in Washington County, Rhode Island.
History of the Narragansett Language
The Narragansett people traditionally spoke the Narragansett language. It is part of the Algonquian language family. Over many years, during European colonization in New England, the language almost disappeared. This happened as people adopted new ways of life.
The Narragansett language was a "Y-dialect." This means it had certain sounds that made it different from "N-dialects." But it was still similar enough to be understood by speakers of Massachusett and Wampanoag. Other Y-dialects include the Shinnecock and Pequot languages. These were historically spoken by tribes on Long Island and in Connecticut.
In the 1600s, Roger Williams learned the Narragansett language. He was one of the people who helped start Rhode Island. He wrote down what he learned in his 1643 book, A Key Into the Language of America. Williams called the tribe's name Nanhigganeuck.
Many words in American English actually came from Narragansett. Some also came from other related languages like Wampanoag and Massachusett. Can you guess some? Words like quahog, moose, papoose, powwow, squash, and succotash are all examples!
Bringing the Language Back to Life
The Narragansett tribe has started working to bring their language back. They are using old books and writings from the early 1900s. They are also creating new teaching programs.
Dr. Frank Waabu O'Brien has taught the language for the Aquidneck Indian Council. He says that "Narragansett was understood throughout New England." He also explains that many experts believe Massachusett and Narragansett were like different forms of the same language. There is even a Facebook page called "Speaking Our Narragansett Language." It helps people learn the alphabet and words of the language.
