Algonquian–Basque pidgin


The Algonquian–Basque pidgin was a Basque-based pidgin spoken by Basque whalers and various Algonquian peoples. It was spoken around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It was last attested in 1710.
There were three groups of First Nations that the Basque people distinguished. The ones with which they had good relations were the Montagnais and the St. Lawrence Iroquoians. They also knew of the Inuit, whom they considered hostile. The Basque people referred to them as the Montaneses, the Canaleses and the Esquimoas, respectively.

Sample words

PidginOriginal languageEnglish translation
NormandiaNormandia, 'Normandy'French
kirkir you
aniaanaia brother
capitanacapitaina, kapitaina in Standard Basquecaptain
endiaandia, handia in Standard Basquelarge
chavechave know