The Taensa language was spoken by the Taensa people originally of northeastern Louisiana, and later with historical importance in Alabama. Though poorly documented, it was probably a dialect of the Natchez language. It was also the subject of controversy beginning in 1880–1882, when a French student published a grammar and sample texts of a language that he claimed to be Taensa, though it bore no resemblance to Natchez — these publications are generally considered to be a hoax and the language it described to be invented.
Daniel Garrison Brinton, initially positive, later argued the grammar was a hoax.
The Taensa were a Native American people whose settlements at the time of European contact in the late 17th century were located in present-day Tensas Parish, Louisiana. The meaning of the name, which has the further spelling variants of Taenso, Tinsas, Tenza or Tinza, Tahensa or Takensa, and Tenisaw, is unknown. It is believed to be an autonym. The Taensa should not be confused with the Avoyel, known by the French as the petits Taensas, who were mentioned in writings by explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville in 1699. The Taensa are more closely related to the Natchez people and both are considered descendants of the late prehistoric Plaquemine culture.
Imagined meeting of La Salle with the Taensa, by artist George Catlin circa 1847
Drawing of the "Natchez Great Sun being carried in a litter", by du Pratz
Pottery showing engraved Plaquemine designs from the Grand Village of the Natchez Site.
The Proto-Natchezan Anna site (1200-1500 CE) showing the temple mound and plaza arrangement of Plaquemine sites