In the past, people have described the Gullah culture as quaint and the language as unintelligible. A closer look reveals a complex history and language with direct links to West Africa that survived slavery and thrived on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah experience has many variables that make it unique to each family and community.
GullahNet along with its host, Aunt Pearlie Sue (Anita Singleton-Prather), was designed to introduce Gullah culture and language to children on the web.
See also Women Vision SC with Anita Singleton-Prather.
Lesson
Read maps, use charts, and go to various sites to discover facts about the Gullah culture.
Photo
Anita Singleton-Prather is an entrepreneur, Gullah scholar, entertainer, and master storyteller. She brings Gullah culture to countless people through “Aunt Pearlie Sue,” a character inspired by her...
Video
Gullah storytellers often perform folktales that feature animals as the main characters. Aunt Pearlie Sue tells the story of "The Bossy Elephant" in English. After listening, compare how the same...
Video
Aunt Pearlie Sue tells the story of "The Bossy Elephant" using the Gullah Language.
Interactive
Listen to the interactive version of the Bossy Elephant in both English and Gullah. Storytelling performance by Anita Singleton Prather (Aunt Pearlie Sue)
Lesson
Design and play unique, student-made versions of traditional Gullah musical instruments.
Interactive
Students will understand traditional blues form that contains three four-measure phrases that follow the pattern AAB. Let Reverend Leroy show you how to express your sad feelings by composing a blues...
Document
oblea bene (o.ble.a. be.ne) n. - una galleta hecha con semillas de sésamo y comida para buena suerte; introducida por esclavos / de África Occidental. lanzar (lan.zar) v. - para lanzar o revolotear...
Document
benne wafer (ben.ne wa.fer) n. - a cookie made with sesame seeds and eaten for good luck; introduced by slaves from West Africa. / cast (cast) v. - to throw or fling. chaff (chaff) n. - lightweight...
Lesson
When enslaved Africans came to the coast of South Carolina they brought many foods with them that have become traditional Southern favorites. They include peanuts, sweet potatoes, okra, black-eyed...
