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Language encounters between the French and Native peoples of North America began when Jacques Cartier reached the St. Lawrence River valley in the 1530s.^[1]  Communicating primarily by signs, Cartier and various Native individuals participated in seemingly friendly communication as they attempted to “speak” with one another.  Almost immediately, Cartier experienced the linguistic diversity of the region’s Indigenous, with Native communities located within just a few miles of each other capable of speaking distinctly different dialects and languages.  Undoubtedly it was difficult for either culture to understand the other deeply or even accurately.  Almost certainly, any language shared between Cartier and those he encountered included pointing, showing, facial expressions, attempts at pronunciation, curious looks, ephemeral drawings in the dirt–you name it!

Disciplines:

• Humanities  / American Indian or Native American Studies

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