Learn the Gullah

(93.1MB, 98 minutes) 2011 Edition

This download includes a written examination for learning the Gullah or Geechee accent, and the following sound files featuring Accent Help coach Jim Johnson:

Play Audio Sample:

1. Introduction to Sound Placement, Intonation, and Helpful Hints for speaking with a Gullah accent (7:53)
2. Consonant sound changes when learning a Gullah / Geechee accent (12:48)
3. Vowel sound changes for this Gullah accent (7:36)
4. changes to Diphthongs in Gullah accents (5:01)
5. Alternate Pronunciations for words when speaking with a Gullah/Geechee accent (1:26)
6. Wrap up to learning a Gullah dialect (3:32)
7. Male Chef conversation (25:51)
8. Facility Manager Male conversation (1:23)
9. Hilton Head Male reading (1:20)
10. + his conversation (3:11)
11. Cast Net Maker Male conversation (16:10)
12. "Aunt Pearlie Sue" Female reading (1:19)
13. Bonus: Conversation with Anita Singleton-Prather (10:34) 

This download focuses on learning a Gullah or Geechee accent, including recordings of native "Sea Islanders" from the coastal areas around Beaufort and Hilton Head in South Carolina.  Gullah is an African-American dialect that is spoken primarily in the islands along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and into North Carolina and Florida.  Gullah is the most common term for the accent and culture, though Geechee is a term more commonly used for these speakers in Georgia.  

Whatever accent you're working on, it's a good idea to get our FREE guide to learning accents and dialects - it will help you to get started with some basic terms and ideas for learning accents.  It's also included free in this download.

Though these sound files have been remastered to reduce background noise, most of these recordings are made "in the field" so you will hear such things as birds, cars or other people in the background.  A transcription of the conversations is included to help you follow along.  This download also contains four versions of the written materials:  A printer-friendly pdf, a pdf that is in a larger format for use on a portable reading device, and both mobi and epub editions for other portable readers.