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Roger Williams' guide to Native American language was the first ever published; as well as linguistic instruction, we receive stunning insight into the culture and customs of the New England tribes.
Firstly, this is a practical, instructional guidebook written with the colonial society in mind. Particularly where religious missions are concerned, the author feels that colonialists should have a command of Native American languages. Williams passionately believed in peaceful coexistence, and realized that understanding the native speech was crucial for this.
Secondly, the book aims to promote understanding of Native American culture. What customs the tribes practice, the foods they eat, their marital and social mores, their methods of communicating knowledge, how they regard beasts of nature, and how trade and commerce is practiced are but some topics discussed. The picture is detailed, revealing the sophistication of the Native Americans.
Between his descriptions of these topics, Williams appends long lists of words complete with their phonetic pronunciations. There are over 250 such tables in this book; taken as a whole, these constitute an impressive compendium of the native speech heard by European settlers in 17th century New England.
Roger Williams was a unique figure in the colonial era of North America. Working as a minister, he was among few who gained the trust of multiple Native American tribes, to the point where they hosted him for months. This book was his first, and its publication in London brought much attention to the author's unique life. Later in life, Williams gained renown as a defender of the Native Americans, advocate of religious freedom, and for his staunch anti-slavery views.
