A Key into the Language of America

by Roger Williams

Publisher:

Narragansett Club

, 1866

Overview

Published during Roger Williams’ first trip back to England to negotiate a charter for his colony, Providence Plantations, this volume is the first account of Native American languages and culture ever published in English. Printed by John Milton’s publisher, it became a huge success in England, informing the British people about the customs of a people they were highly curious about. Williams presents mainly Narragansett phrases and translations, along with cultural notes and observations. They are grouped by subject—ranging from greetings and family business to religion and marriage. This historic work is notable for not only its content, but also its tone, as Williams combats attitudes of superiority in English readers towards Native peoples.

Product Details

• Title: A Key into the Language of America
• Author: Roger Williams
• Series: Publications of the Narragansett Club (First Series)
• Volume: I
• Publisher: Narragansett Club
• Print Publication Date: 1866
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Narragansett Indians › Early works to 1800; Narragansett language › Glossaries, vocabularies, etc.--Early works to 1800; Indians of North America › New England--Early works to 1800; Indians of North America › Languages--Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:KYLNGGMRC
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-14T02:27:52Z

About Roger Williams

Roger Williams (near 1603 – between January and February 1683) was an English Protestant theologian who was an early proponent of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. In 1636, he began the colony of Providence Plantation, which provided a refuge for religious minorities. Williams started the first Baptist church in America, the First Baptist Church of Providence, before leaving to become a Seeker.