A Key Into the Language of America, or an Help to the Language of the Natives in That Part of America Called New-England Together with Briefe Observations of the Customes, Manners, and Worships, &c. of the Aforesaid Natives, etc.

"A Key Into the Language of America, or an Help to the Language of the Natives" by Roger Williams is a linguistic and cultural guide written in the mid-17th century. This work serves as both a dictionary for the Native American languages of New England and a commentary on the customs, manners, and beliefs of the indigenous peoples. Williams, a prominent figure in the founding of Rhode Island, provides insights into the languages spoken by the Native Americans, along with observations from his extensive interactions with them. The opening of the book presents an introduction and preface, outlining the purpose and significance of Williams’ work. It discusses the historical context of the Rhode-Island Historical Society and emphasizes the importance of accurately recording the languages and customs of the Native American tribes he encountered. Williams expresses a deep commitment to fostering better understanding and communication between settlers and Native Americans, indicating that the language barrier has led to significant misunderstandings. His reflections on the natives’ identities and traditions reveal both admiration and a desire to bridge cultural divides, setting the stage for the detailed language help and cultural observations that follow in his text. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Roger Williams was an English-born New England Puritan minister, theologian, and author who founded Providence Plantations, which became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and later the State of Rhode Island. He was a staunch advocate for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the Native Americans.