Neutral or Neutral Huron was the Iroquoian language spoken by the Neutral Nation.
The name Neutral, given to them by the French, was due to their neutrality in the Huron–Iroquois wars. They were called by the Wendat, likely meaning 'they understand the language'.
Mithun (1979:145, 188–189) cites Jesuits pointing out that the Neutral language was different from the Wendat language, in that the Neutrals were "" (Thwaites 21:188) / "a Nation different in language, at least in many respects" (Thwaites 21:189). Mithun further cites work by Roy Wright (Mithun 1979:160) where the latter notes from the Neutral name given to Chaumonot that the Neutral language did not have sound changes that distinguish Wendat from other Northern Iroquoian languages. Hanzeli (1969), referencing Thwaites (21:228–230),(p. 228) "" / (p. 229–230) "The delay of the Fathers in this place was, doubtless, an exceptional providence of God: for, in the twenty-five days that they remained in this cabin, they were able to harmonize the Dictionary and the Syntax of the Huron language with those of these Tribes, and accomplish a work which of itself would deserve that one make a stay of several years in the country, -- as our Savages take much more pleasure in those who speak their own language than in those who only attempt it, and whom they consider for that reason as strangers." notes Brébeuf and Chaumonot considered Neutral different enough from Wendat to write a separate Neutral grammar and dictionary, now lost.
Two proper names of Neutral are preserved, a town name and its chief's name . The first may mean 'mountain corner' (cf. Huron ), making Neutral an Iroquoian language.
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