“Gateway to Africa”
Senegal, country in western Africa located at the westernmost point of the continent and served by multiple air and maritime travel routes, is known as the “Gateway to Africa.” The country lies at an ecological boundary where semiarid grassland, oceanfront, and tropical rainforest converge; this diverse environment has endowed Senegal with a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is from this rich natural heritage that the country’s national symbols were chosen: the baobab tree and the lion.
What we say.
Although French is the official language of Senegal, Wolof is the lingua franca and most commonly spoken of the six traditional Senegalese languages. Here are some essential Wolof phrases you’ll need in Senegal.
Teranga: the spirit of hospitality
Welcome to Senegal, the country of “Teranga”: in wölof, the main local language, it means ‘the spirit of hospitality’, a word that refers to the unique way Senegalese have of welcoming their guest.
Jërejëf (je-re-jef): thank you
Fun to say? Check.
Easy to remember? Check.
Helpful expression? Check.
Salaam aleekum: hello
(Sa-laam-a-ley-kum). Respond with malekum salaam (mal-ay-kum-sal-aam): hello to you. Literally meaning ‘peace be upon you’ (with the response roughly meaning ‘peace also be unto you’).
Waaw / déedéyt: yes / no.
(wao / dey-dey). As anyone who has ever had a conversation knows, yes and no are two of the most useful words to know in any language.
Na nga def: how are you?
(nan-ga-def). Respond with maa ngi fi (man-gi-fi): I’m fine, thanks. The Wolof equivalent of ‘ça va’ or ‘how you doing?’ is commonly used after or instead of salaam aleekum.
Rafet na: it’s beautiful.
(raf-et-na). Make friends in Senegal with compliments. Showing your appreciation for their culture always goes down well.
