Beginner's Guide to Wolof
Connecting with the Heart of Gambian Culture
Introduction
Wolof (pronounced "wolluf") is widely spoken in The Gambia, serving as the native language for a significant portion of the population and a second language for many others. While English is the official language, Wolof is commonly used in daily life—especially in urban areas like Banjul. It is also spoken in Senegal and Mauritania.
Pronunciation Guide
Wolof contains many sounds familiar to English speakers, with a few key differences:
| Symbol | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| x | Like ch in Scottish "loch" | — |
| ñ | Like ny in "canyon" | — |
| ë | Like u in "but" | — |
| c | Like ch in "church" | — |
Tone and Stress
Wolof is not a tonal language, but stress matters. Generally, stress falls on the first syllable of words.
Essential Greetings
Greetings are crucial in Wolof culture and show respect and friendliness.
Basic Greetings
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (general) | Salaam aleekum | [sa-laam a-lay-kum] |
| Response | Waalekum salaam | [wa-lay-kum sa-laam] |
| How are you? | Nanga def? | [nan-ga def] |
| I'm fine | Mangi fi rekk | [man-gi fi rek] |
Time-Specific Greetings
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Jàmm ngeen fanaan? | [jam ngen fa-naan] |
| Good afternoon | Naka bës bi? | [na-ka bes bi] |
| Good evening | Naka gudd gi? | [na-ka goudi gui] |
Numbers and Counting
| Number | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | benn | [ben] |
| 2 | ñaar | [nyaar] |
| 3 | ñett | [nyet] |
| 4 | ñeent | [nyent] |
| 5 | juróom | [ju-room] |
| 6 | juróom-benn | [ju-room ben] |
| 7 | juróom-ñaar | [ju-room nyaar] |
| 8 | juróom-ñett | [ju-room nyet] |
| 9 | juróom-ñeent | [ju-room nyent] |
| 10 | fukka | [fuka] |
Practical Travel Phrases
1. Transportation
At the Airport
Taking a Taxi
2. Accommodation
At the Hotel
3. Dining and Food
At a Restaurant
Common Dishes
- Ceebu jën (Thiéboudienne): rice and fish
- Yassa: onion sauce
- Domoda: peanut stew
4. Shopping and Money
5. Directions
6. Emergency Phrases
Basic Grammar Patterns
1. Simple Sentence Structure
Wolof typically follows a Subject–Verb–Object order, but can shift depending on emphasis.
2. Personal Pronouns
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I | man | [man] |
| You | yow | [yow] |
| He/She | moom | [moom] |
| We | nun | [nyun] |
| You (plural) | yéen | [yen] |
| They | ñoom | [nyoom] |
Mini Dictionary
Common Verbs
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| To be | nekk | [nek] |
| To have | am | [am] |
| To go | dem | [dem] |
| To come | new | [nyew] |
| To eat | lekk | [lek] |
| To drink | naan | [naan] |
| To sleep | nelaw | [ne-law] |
| To speak | wax | [wakh] |
Common Adjectives
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good | baax | [baakh] |
| Bad | bon | [bon] |
| Big | mag | [mag] |
| Small | ndaw | [ndaw] |
| Hot | tàng | [tang] |
| Cold | sedd | [sed] |
Practice Dialogue: At the Market
A: Salaam aleekum [sa-laam a-lay-kum]
B: Waalekum salaam [wa-lay-kum sa-laam]
A: Ñaata la mango yi? [nya-ta la man-go yi]
B: Juróom ñaari dalasi [ju-room nyaari dalasi]
A: Dafa chère! Juróom ñaari dalasi? [da-fa cheer ju-room nyaari dalasi]
B: Waaw, baax na. [waaw, baakh na]
Cultural Tips
- Always greet before asking for anything.
- Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
- Show respect to elders—they should be greeted first.
- Don't rush greetings—they are an important social ritual.
- Say "Jërëjëf" (thank you) with a smile.
Conclusion
This guide covers the essential basics for everyday interactions in Wolof-speaking regions. Wolof speakers appreciate any effort to use their language—even if you make mistakes. Start with greetings and polite expressions—these will open many doors in Gambian society.