Erie is an extinct language formerly spoken around Lake Erie by the Erie people, believed to have been Iroquoian, similar to Wyandot. It was poorly documented, and linguists are not certain that this conclusion is correct.

The names Erie and Eriez are shortened forms of Erielhonan (Known to the Huron as /eɹiʔxehˈɹoːnõʔ/, most likely meaning, 'nation at the cherry trees'). The "Erie" part of the name means "long tail", referring to local panthers. The Erie were called the "Cat people" (Nation du Chat in French; Hodge 1910, Swanton).

At least one loanword survives from the Erie language: Chautauqua, a word of uncertain definition/translation.

Geographical distribution

Erie territory apparently ranged from at least Presque Isle Bay in the west to the Genesee River toward the east, and from Buffalo Creek into northern Pennsylvania.

Vocabulary

[dubious – discuss]

  • Erie (Long Tail)
  • Ronnongwetonwanca (Good Luck)
  • Kahqua/Kahkwa (A name for the Iroquois)
  • Gùkulëáwo (Wolf)
  • Chautauqua (Unknown, believed to be an Erie loanword)
  • Gandeaktena (Personal surname for an Erie woman who was named Kateri Catherine Gandeaktena)
  • Rigué/Riqué (Recorded name of one village of the Erie's, possibly served as their 'capital')
  • Gentaienton (Another recorded name of an Erie village)

Notes