Date:  Tue, 21 Nov 1995 22:08:45 -0500

From:  James C Stalker <stalker[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]PILOT.MSU.EDU>

Subject: Re: Turkish Language - Melungeon que



>

> In a November 12th edition of the Louisville Courier-Journal there is an

> article on the Melungeons (a people of dark complexion and uncertain orgin

> from the Tennesee-Kentucky-Virginia border) and it quotes Dr. Brent

> Kennedy, author of THE MELUNGEONS, as saying that the word Melungeon "is

> Turkish, meaning "Abandoned by God." "

>

> Is there such an expression in Turkish, and how close is it to sounding

> like "Melungeon?"



According to my Concise Turkish Dictionary, <melekuttu> means 'God's spiritual

dominion; creation.' In Turkish, it wouldn't sound much like 'melungeon.'



>

> He also says that "gaumy" meand "messed up" in Turkish, and that "guamed

> up" is an old expression in areas where the Melungeons live.

>



<Gamli> (no dot over the i) means 'sorrowful, grieved; anxious.' I guess one

could extend from there. I will seek further info.



JCStalker

stalker[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]pilot.msu.edu