The Autobiography of John Ball: Across the Plains to Oregon, 1832

[Dave Robertson]

from the website

http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/html/jball.html

Chenook Language

There was in use a mongrel language between the Indians and traders, called
the Chenook; but
unlike theirs, which was said by a man well acquainted with that and other
Indian languages, to
be the most copious of any. But this comprised hardly three hundred words,
and probably not
half of these theirs. but composed in part of words of other tribes, English
and French. Things
new to the Indians were called by their accustomed names. The hog had its
French name, the ox
the Indian name of the buffalo where the buffalo ranges in the mountains.
The Indians on the
Williamette, as most of the Indians, talked much by signs and sounds. One
word was used for
bird, for instance, then by imitating its cry, would express that it was the
swan, goose or duck.
One word meant growing vegetables; then by an adjective, or some motions,
show whether
grapes or trees were meant.