One of the biggest questions people have when visiting the Sea Islands – an expanse of around 100 sandy islands across Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida – pertains to the Gullah Geechee culture. Is it a language, the name of a group of people, a culture, what? Here we’re going to set the record straight; Gullah or Geechee, what’s the difference?
Gullah or Geechee: What’s the Difference?
First off, let’s get the big question out of the way. Is it Gullah or is it Geechee, and when do you use each term? Well, it’s not as easy as all that. Both words can be used interchangeably, depending on what you’re saying, how you’re saying it, and quite frankly, where you are. For example, Geechee in Georgia refers to the language that was developed by enslaved Africans in the 18th century; possibly named for the Ogeechee River near Savannah. The language evolved over the years but essentially it’s an English-creole language. In some parts of the Southeast, the language is called Gullah.
How Did the Language Come About?
The Gullah-Geechee language was developed on plantations across the Southeast during the 18th century. It is a combination of colonial English and a mix of languages from the African slaves. This new language was born of necessity; many don’t realize Africa is a diverse place full of a variety of languages. The enslaved Africans, forced against their will to work in the indigo and rice plantations of the South, needed a way to communicate with one another; thus, this brand-new language was born.
What’s interesting, is that our ancestors, once ashamed of their language, would be proud to know that there’s been a resurgence of interest. Gullah is actually being taught in colleges and universities throughout the country. We’re still holding on to our heritage, as evidenced by the countless artisans you’ll encounter when visiting the Charleston City Market in South Carolina.
Gullah Culture
As far as culture is concerned, when you ask, Gullah or Geechee, what’s the difference, you get a very storied answer, however. The Gullah as a people, are storytellers, in both word and in song. In fact, those stories, and songs told and sung throughout those long, hot days on the plantation, served many purposes. They weren’t just passing time. They were passing knowledge, advice and information; ways to try to thrive, survive and even escape their fate.
The Gullah people hailed from a variety of African cultures, Mandinka, Congo, the Gold Coast, etc… but they and their descendants today, still have a strength and resilience that is unparalleled.
Evidence of this plays out every day in these Southeastern states, where land developers come in and try to displace Gullah Geechee descendant families who have owned property in these areas for years. Some, of course, give in to the pressure, but others stand their ground. Resorts and golf courses have gone in and attempts at wiping away any remaining protections in place to keep development away from these areas. Most recently, celebrities like Snoop Dog have helped to donate to the plight of Josephine Wright. Developers are trying to get her to sell the Hilton Head land her family has owned since the end of The Civil War. Wright, who is in her nineties, is not backing down.
And We Can’t Forget the Food
If you haven’t yet watched the Netflix series, High on the Hog, I highly recommend you doing so immediately! In the second episode, renowned chef, author and historian, Michael Twitty, says of soul food; “We are the only people who named our cuisine after something invisible that you could feel, like love and God. Something completely transcendental. It’s about a connection between us and our dead, and us and those who are waiting to be born.”
And, that is just what the Gullah Geechee food is about; connection. If you’re in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, to experience that connection, you’ll want to visit spots like Nigel’s Good Food or Bertha’s Kitchen. In Georgia, head over to Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar, and in Florida, a stop at Annie Ru’s in Jacksonville is one of many for that Gullah Geechee experience.
So, the question, “Gullah or Geechie, what’s the difference?” is not as cut and dried as one might think, It all depends on what you’re talking about and even where and who you are. But one thing is certain, with such a rich history, that began in the most inhumane of ways, the Gullah Geechee people have persevered, grown and thrived. That is not to say that everything is perfect. This, evidenced by the concerns of landowners like Ms. Wright. But with growing understanding and interest in the culture we’re well on our way to preserving what makes the Gullah Geechee culture special.
