Chinuk Wawa

Chinuk Wawa is a Native American trade jargon developed in the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century. It combines elements of Indigenous languages, English, French, and other languages to create a simplified lingua franca for communication among diverse groups. Used primarily by traders, settlers, and Indigenous peoples, it enabled basic commerce and interaction in a multicultural environment. Today, Chinuk Wawa is recognized as a historical language and cultural symbol, with efforts underway to revitalize and preserve its legacy among descendant communities and language learners.