The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
THE CHRONICLES OF OKLAHOMA
lific praise of the group being entreated combined with language of self-abasement. The dependency rhetoric of the Choctaws did not reflect an inability to provide for themselves, but rather asserted responsibility on the part of the "Father" to supply the wants of his "children." Also implicit in Choctaw diplomatic rhetoric was the typically indirect threat of conflict if the "Father" did not fulfill his responsibilities to his "children."4 There are numerous potential roadblocks to a scholarly examina- tion of Native American diplomatic language and rhetoric. Most of the obstacles relate to the difficulty in "authenticating" Indian speeches that, with few exceptions, were translated and recorded by Euro-Americans. The potential for ignorance or deceit on the part of the interpreter, as well as the substantial cultural barriers between speaker and translator, make it difficult to be certain that the words recorded from a particular Native American speech convey the same meaning that the speaker originally intended.' Fortunately, translation of Native American speeches was typi- cally not a one-sided Euro-American-dominated procedure but rather a dynamic exchange that included Native Americans as ac- tive participants. Like many other native groups, the Choctaws were well aware of the potential problems that could result from poor translation and often played a significant role in the selection and retention of translators. To help ensure proper transmission of their addresses, Choctaw leaders carefully chose the words they used in their speeches and sought to have the exact words and meaning of the addresses recorded and sent to high-ranking offi- cials. When they doubted the ability of a translator or became aware of a misinterpretation of their words, they worked with Euro-American officials to correct the problem.6 But even given the careful efforts of the Choctaws to ensure proper translation, schol- ars still must be cautious in using such sources. Various methods have been employed in the formulation of this essay to ensure as much "accuracy" as possible. First, paraphrasing has been avoided and the exact words-as presented in the histori- cal record and verified by Choctaws at the time-are used wherever possible. Second, virtually all known Choctaw diplomatic addresses during the post-colonial period have been consulted to minimize the problems resulting from potentially poor translation of a few sources. The speeches that have been included herein were selected as being representative of the tone and content of the cumulative sources. Finally, this essay focuses widely on a clear general pattern