Bill > H3370

This bill amends the South Carolina Code of Laws to officially recognize the Gullah language as an official language of the state alongside English. Gullah is a unique Creole language spoken by African Americans in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, with roots in the enslaved African populations who worked on rice plantations. The bill modifies Section 1-1-696 by changing the existing language from "The English language is the official language of the State of South Carolina" to "The English language and the Gullah language are the official languages of the State of South Carolina." This change is significant because it formally acknowledges the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Gullah people, who have maintained a distinct culture and language since the days of slavery. The bill would take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, providing official recognition to a language that has historically been marginalized but is crucial to the cultural identity of many South Carolinians, particularly in the Lowcountry region.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3370&session=126&summary=B