Dictionary of the Chinook Jargon, or Indian Trade Language, of the North Pacific Coast

"Dictionary of the Chinook Jargon, or Indian Trade Language, of the North Pacific Coast" by T. N. Hibben is a comprehensive linguistic reference book published in the late 19th century. This type of book serves as a dictionary, focusing on the Chinook jargon, a pidgin language that was used as a trade language among Indigenous peoples and European settlers in the Pacific Northwest. The book aims to document and preserve this important aspect of cultural and linguistic history. The content of the dictionary is organized in a two-part format: the first part presents Chinook words with their English translations, while the second part provides English words alongside their Chinook equivalents. Each entry includes not only the words but also example sentences that illustrate their usage, helping readers understand the context in which the jargon was employed. Through hundreds of entries, Hibben captures the vernacular that facilitated communication in a multilingual environment, providing insight into the daily life, trade practices, and interactions of diverse groups in the region. The work ultimately serves as a valuable resource for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in Indigenous languages and trade culture of the North Pacific Coast.