For the early fur trade (16th-18th centuries):
* French: This was the dominant language in the early fur trade, particularly in the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence River valley. French traders often spoke a mixture of French and Native languages.
* English: English was used by traders from Britain, particularly in the Hudson Bay region.
* Native languages: Many traders were fluent in the languages of the Indigenous groups they traded with. This allowed for better communication and understanding, as well as stronger relationships.
For the later fur trade (19th century):
* English: English became more dominant as the fur trade shifted westwards.
* French: Still used in some areas, particularly in the Canadian west.
* Cree: A widespread Indigenous language, commonly used for trade in the Canadian prairies.
* Other Indigenous languages: Many different Indigenous languages were spoken across the North American continent, depending on the region and the specific trading partners.
It is important to remember that the fur trade was a complex and diverse activity, and the languages used reflected this.
Here are some additional points to consider:
* Pidgin languages: Mixes of different languages emerged to facilitate communication between traders and Indigenous peoples.
* Trade jargon: Specific words and phrases developed for use in trade, often incorporating elements from various languages.
* Regional variation: Different languages and dialects were used in different regions.
It's impossible to give a single definitive answer to the question of what language the fur traders spoke. It was a complex and dynamic process influenced by many factors.