Weekly Update | February 16, 2025

All About 'Gullah'

Written by Canon Earl Mounger

One of our readings this Sunday will be read by Ms. Dona Smith in Gullah, a creole language that originated among enslaved Africans in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. It developed as a means of communication between African slaves who spoke different native languages and their English-speaking masters. Gullah incorporates elements of African languages, English, and some vocabulary from the surrounding cultures.

The Gullah people, also known as the Gullah Geechee, are descendants of these enslaved individuals and have maintained a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions in storytelling, music, craft, and food. Gullah is characterized by its distinct grammar and pronunciation, making it different from Standard English. While it predominantly exists in spoken form, there are also written variations. The language is an essential part of the identity and cultural legacy of the Gullah community.

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