Shoshone to Hidatsa to French to English
While in the end she proved to be of much more worth to the journey than merely a translator, Sacagawea's original purpose was to communicate with other Indians in their native language. Sacagawea was originally of the Shoshone people, who lived in present-day Idaho in the eastern section of the Salmon River. At the age of 11 she was captured by the Hidatsas. She was then taken away to live with them, where she most likely learned the Hidatsa language. She was later sold or traded to Toussaint Charbonneau, who eventually became her husband. "Scalp Dance of the Minatarres" from Library of Congress ▻
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The language chain was as such. Lewis and Clark would speak with a crew member who knew both English and French. That crew member would then speak to Sacagawea’s husband Charbonneau, who, in turn, would translate it to Hidatsa and speak to his wife, Sacagawea. Finally, Sacagawea would communicate with the Shoshone people in her own language. This made the couple of Sacagawea and Charbonneau an invaluable addition to the expedition’s crew: between the two of them they could communicate with many native groups. It is also noted that she often would use sign language.
In one instance it was noted that the men were very grateful for Sacagawea’s assistance in talking to the Shoshone people, who were able to provided the crew with horses. This is one example of how her communication and language skills greatly benefited the expedition.
Image: "Buffalo Herd" from John Kalla
2015 National History Day Project by Liam Mullen