The Gullah / Geechee Dialect
The slave ships brought various tribes of African and Caribbean slaves together to America. The slaves developed a common dialect which allowed communication to exist between the groups. The language is very similar to Sierra Leone Krio language, and many words are nearly the same. Many slaves were brought from the Sierra Leone during the 1700's, because of their expert ability as rice growers, a major crop for the southern plantation owners, however some historians believe that the dialect is derived from the Gola, a tribe people living in Liberia, Africa. Others believe that it originated from Angola, a country in southern Africa.
The Gullah and Geechee dialect is currently spoken by a group of Black African Americans along the southeastern coast of the United States, officially known as the Gullah/ Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Many crafts such as sweet grass baskets, carved walking canes, hats, fishing nets, and are made and folktales told to help preserve the dialect and heritage. They continue to live in rural farming and fishing communities, primarily in South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah and Geechee dialect has strongly been preserved due to the isolation and location of some of the islands. It is the endeavor of those who speak this fading, fascinating dialect to preserve it, as a part of the precious legacy and culture of American history.
The Gullah and Geechee dialect is currently spoken by a group of Black African Americans along the southeastern coast of the United States, officially known as the Gullah/ Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Many crafts such as sweet grass baskets, carved walking canes, hats, fishing nets, and are made and folktales told to help preserve the dialect and heritage. They continue to live in rural farming and fishing communities, primarily in South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah and Geechee dialect has strongly been preserved due to the isolation and location of some of the islands. It is the endeavor of those who speak this fading, fascinating dialect to preserve it, as a part of the precious legacy and culture of American history.
The "Real" Sista Gal
The character Sista Gal, is based on the lives of women who were known for their strength and wisdom. Many stories are true accounts shared by Afro-American women who lived the experiences, during the early 1920s to the 1950s, in the deep south. Those old souls were candid and honest about life, the heartbreaks, men, children, and how God got them through it all. Through the worst times, their messages of hope resounded. Outdoor cook-fires, front porches, quiet lamp-lit bedrooms, were classrooms. Their lessons shared with loving authority, the wisdom that many years of living, and making mistakes taught. Sprinkled with laughter these bits became medicine and memories for many. When there were no other voices to champion their causes, or no other ears to hear their concerns, they cried, laughed, consoled and prayed.
Sista Gal, shares the laughter of real life, and at times a glimpse of history. She is Big Momma, Aunt Ester, and Grandma, who are known to pull someone aside and say, “Baby, I don’t care what it looks like, or how bad it seems right now, you can get up from this. Don’t you give up. You hear me. I am going to be praying for you. You gonna to be all right.” Sista Gal celebrates the greatness of those who experienced the past, and those who continue to live this wonderful legacy.
Sincerely and sisterly,
Mary Bright