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I present you with a Key : I have not heard of the like yet framed, since it pleased God to bring that mighty continent of America to light. Others of my countrymen have often, and excellently, and lately, written of the country, and none that I know beyond the goodness and worth of it. This Key respects the native language of it, and happily may unlock some rarities concerning the natives themselves, not yet discovered.

Roger Williams#3

CultureExplorationKnowledgeLanguage

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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author presents a key to the native language and culture of America, claiming it unlocks truths others have missed.
In plain terms
Here is a key to understand the native people and their land better than others have.
What can you take from it?
Understanding local language and culture reveals truths others overlook.

Where it applies

  • cultural exploration
  • language study
  • cross-cultural communication

Putting it to work

  • documenting languages
  • studying indigenous cultures
  • bridging cultural gaps

Questions to consider

  • What does a key to a culture look like?
  • Who owns cultural knowledge?

Another view

The claim of unique discovery may overlook prior indigenous knowledge systems.

More from Roger Williams

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  2. The natives are very exact and punctual in the bounds of their lands, belonging to this or that prince or people, even to a river, brook, &c. And I have known …

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  3. There is no regularly constituted church of Christ on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances; nor can there be until new apostles …

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