Virginia Benmaman collection

Collection

Identifier: AMN 1176

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Virginia Benmaman collection consists of 3 hollinger boxes divided between 2 series.

Series one regards Dr. Benmaman's research, publications, and notes. Series two contains various journals, articles, and essays.

Both series can be utilized when studying and referencing linguistic history of the Gullah dialect in the lowcountry. During her time as a professor at the College of Charleston, it is evident that Dr. Benmaman kept a fluid interest in categoizing, documenting, and honoring the history of the Gullah Geechee nation, as well as all Creole-based, American dialects.

Dates

Creation: 1864-2001

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the Avery Research Center's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Avery Research Center claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Biographical Note

Extent

1.25 linear feet (3 document boxes.)

Additional Description

Abstract

Dr. Virginia Benmaman is a former College of Charleston professor within the Hispanic Studies department. She had a passion for linguistics, particularly the derived history of specific dialects. She gifted this collection to the Avery Research Center of African American History and Culture in 2002, with the hopes that researches would use the resources within when studying the history, culture, and language of the Gullah Geechee corridor along the atlantic coastal regions.

The collection is housed in three document boxes, consisting of 86 folders. The first series regards Dr. Benmaman's personal research, notes, and publications which subject American-Creole linguistics. The second series pertains copies of various journals, articles, essays, and other publications which subjects Gullah linguistics and cultural significance. A majority of these publications were made available between 1950 and 1980. Researchers can use these sources when analyzing American-Creole languages in comparison to more recent studies.