Gulluh Fuh Oonuh/Gullah for You: A Guide to the Gullah Language

by Virginia Mixson Geraty

An alphabetical collection of Gullah words and phrases that offer tips on pronunciation. The guide is a valuable tool for students and researchers wanting to learn more about the Gullah language. A study of the only English-derived Creole language in use on the United States mainland, and the unique linguistic contribution of the African-American people to our American heritage. Developing from the blending of the African tribal languages spoken by slaves and the various Creoles and languages spoken in the New World, Gullah attained Creole status during the mid seventeen hundreds, and was learned and used by the second generation of slaves as their mother tongue.

Genres: Nonfiction, Linguistics, Language

Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Stormy McDonald]

If you are interested in dialects, particularly of the Carolina/Georgia coastal region, this is a must for your personal library. This is not an English/Gullah dictionary or grammar guide. It lists Gullah words and phrases alphabetically and offers "standard English" translations/explanations.

What I found most surprising were the number of words and phrases which have seeped into everyday language in rural counties not strictly within the defined Gullah/Geechee corridor. Many of the phrases and pronunciations I heard and used while growing up and thought were merely "country speak" appear in Gulluh Fuh Oonuh.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but then, I've always loved dictionaries. ;-)

[Amy]

Wee-Used this reference to help on a writing project.