Chinook JargonA "Jargon" is a simplistic language made up of words from two or more different languages. It is used as a common language between people who do not speak the same language. "Chinook Jargon" is an example of a jargon that was used on the West Coast of North America from southern Alaska to northern Oregon. It was widely used between the First Nations people and the European fur traders in the 1800's, but is seldom used now. Chinook Jargon is made up of words from several different languages, including Chinook, Nootka, English, French, Chehalis and a few others. Some Chinook Jargon words were invented just for the Jargon. For example the word for "heart" or "spirit" is tumtum from the sound of a beating heart. Many Chinook Jargon words are familiar to people in British Columbia. Place names, street names and other names often come from Chinook Jargon words. Can you find the meaning for these place names that use Chinook Jargon words? Hint: Use the word list!
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