SEASON 4 EPISODE 10
Senegal is a West African multilingual country with more than 30 languages. The official language of Senegal is French introduced by the colonial masters. It is used in administrative duties and in schools.
There are a number of native languages spoken by the people of Senegal, some of them include Wolof, Fula, Pulaar, Mandinka, Balanta-Ganja, Mandjak, Hassaniya Arabic, Noon, Jola-Fonyi, Serer, Soninke, and Mankanya.
The Wolof language which is the native language of the Wolof tribe is the most widely spoken native language in Senegal as it is one of the main languages spoken by a majority of the population.
Below are some common phrases in Wolof language for you to learn.
Hello – Salaam aleekum/Na nga def/Na ngeen def
How are you? – Jaam nga am?/Na nga def?
Reply to How are you? – Jaam rek, Yow nag? (Peace only, and you?)/Mangi fi rekk, na nga def?
What’s your name? – Naka-nga sant?/Na nga tudd?
My name is… – Maa ngi tudd …/… laa tudd
Where are you from? – Fan nga joge?/Fan ngeen joge?
I’m from… – Maa ngi joge …/… laa joge
Good morning – Jaam nga fanane
Good afternoon – Jamm nga yendoo
Good evening – Naka ngon si
Goodbye – Ba beneen/Mangi dem
Goodluck – Màa ngui lay nianal weurseuk
Have a nice day – Yendu ak jàam
Do you speak English? – Ndax dégg nga angale?
Excuse me – Baal ma
Sorry – Baal ma
Please – La neexee
Thank you – Jai-rruh-jef
Written and edited by Ebenezer Oladokun
