Follow JW On Twitter!

I just made a Twitter profile for Janga Wolof. The idea is to tweet (that’s the term right?) Wolof words & phrases…I would like to do that daily but I can’t promise that! Tweet updates about this Janga Wolof blog and who knows what else?
If you would like to follow Janga Wolof on Twitter then [...]

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Quick Reference

GREETINGS:

GREETING

RESPONSE

WHEN USED

salaam alaikum

suh-lahm uh-lay-koom

malaikum salaam

muh-lay-koom suh-lahm

greeting a group of people or entering one’s house

nanga def

nahn-guh def

maangi fi

mahn-gee fee

greeting an individual

ça va

suh vah

ça va

suh vah

greeting an individual in passing

ba beneen

bah ben-nen

ba beneen

bah ben-nen

upon leaving an individual

PLEASENTRIES:

ENGLISH

WOLOF

[...]

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Wolof Number Conversion

How to convert English numbers to Wolof:
(This only works for numbers 21 & higher and not for numbers evenly divided by 10.)
Take the number you want to convert to Wolof & divide by 10.
Take the whole number before the decimal, convert to Wolof & put ‘fukk ak’ after it.
Multiply the number that [...]

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All About Senegalese Money

In Senegal they use the franc CFA. But the traditional unit of currency is the dërëm which is counted by fives. Usually when dealing with money most people will deal strictly with the French terms for simplicity. If Wolof is used the dërëm is implied if not specifically said. So for example junni is [...]

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Senegal-Sabar-Baarambaye

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Tirailleur Sénégalais Day

Tirailleur Sénégalais (Senegalese Riflemen) were Senegalese soldiers who fought for France during the first half of the last century. Today is an official Senegalese holiday…for more on the history of the Tirailleurs click HERE.

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Going to Senegal?

Customs & Duties – Some items are not allowed into the country without proper clearance by Senegalese customs officials. Although the list includes computers and cameras it is unlikely that you won’t be allowed in the country or that your items will be confiscated if you have them. If you are concerned about anything you [...]

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New Wolof Dictionary

This looks like a great promising dictionary…the only thing is that it’s mostly all in French but on the other hand this can be very helpful in learning the French along with your Wolof as you Google Translate the French into English!
Oh, and the address for the website? It is http://wolofici.wordpress.com

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Please note…

The Janga Wolof book through Lulu (the top link to the right) is currently unavailable. However if you click the cafepress link (the shirt under the book cover) there are is a different version available (same content, different size and cover). Thank you.

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What’s Her/His name? Dialog with Breakdown

Starsky: Kii naka la tudd?
Hutch: Kii Vera Green la tudd.
Hutch: Kii vera la tudd.
Starski: Kii naka la sant?
Hutch: Kii Green la sant. / Vera Green la sant.
Kii naka la tudd?
What’s his/her name?
(literally: This person here, how is he/she called?)
naka — the equivalent of “what” in this case
tudd — verb: to be called
This question is answered [...]

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Who is This? Dialog with Breakdown

Beavis: Kii kan la?
Butthead: Kii Tapha la.
Butthead: Kii Mel la.
Butthead: Kii Vera la.
(Kii) kan la?
Who is this person?
(literally: (This person) who is?)
kii — word usually accompanied by a gesture meaning this person (here)
kan? — who?
(Kii) Vera la.
This (person) is Vera.
I am = la — Croff la sant
you are = nga — Sarr nga sant
he/she is [...]

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Would you like a fork with your fries?

Another cultural tidbit I noticed in Senegal was that although they ate traditional dishes such as rice or couscous with meat, vegetables and sauce with their hands, something in the West we would generally use utensils to eat, they ate things such as french fries and pizza with a fork when we would just use [...]

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Simple Greeting Dialog with Breakdown

Bert: Asalaa maalekum.
Ernie: Maalekum salaam.
Bert: Nanga def?
Ernie: Mangi fii rekk.
Bert: Ana waa ker ga?
Ernie: Nunga fa.
Bert: Alhamdulilaay!
Asalaa maalekum
Malekum salaam
Greetings / Hello
from Arabic: Peace to you, and to you peace.
USE when entering or arriving at a place or when approaching an [...]

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Some Pulaar Words 3

aaludere – kernel
aawasaagal – roguishness
bol – fish
cuurki – reek
durde – graze
duurde – wrestle
falanteere – window
fawde – put
irde – bury
jangde – education
jawdi – acquest
jokkere – joint
laana – xebec
leriinde – between
lohre – inaptitude
newre – palm
nuggaro – diffident
onon – you
ruudde – linger
suurkude – fume
teew – meat
tuumal – allegation
ubbude – inhume
wujjude – cheat
yuude – cry
Some Pulaar words 2

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Mandinka Drumming & Singing in the Gambia

Mandinka drumming and singing at a naming ceremony in Sukuta, The Gambia. More videos at www.onegambia.com.

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Mind Your Manners

It is customary in Senegal to greet anyone you come into contact with. If you come across a group of people, enter a dwelling or are meeting elders the Arabic greeting asalaam alaikum is appropriate. When greeting individuals the French bonjour or cava is good and alternately the Wolof nangadef works as well. It is [...]

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J’apprends le Wolof #3

Translated from J’apprends le Wolof by Jean-Leopold Diouf et Marina Yaguello. This is the introduction to the book.

Introduction

1. Design Manual / Conception du manuel

This book is a method of learning wolof, a language foreign to francophones. It is intended for residents, the cooperating, businessmen and tourists. It could also be useful for teachers in national [...]

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Self Test – Can You Translate These Phrases? (A, 1-10)

These are from the book Junniy Leebuy Wolof by Mànsóor Xumma.

Aat yaa ngi woy géwél yi.
Ab jatang, loo bàcc bàcc mu xasawum saw.
Ab loot, tàbbi na ba tàyyi bàyyi fa rew bu nyor.
Ab sàmm a waral béy deewul.
Ab ndóol, ku mu yàqal nyakk nga.
Ag bóli, mbedd la; waaye kenn du ca wetal i béy.
Alal du [...]

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Keep it on the D.L.

Apparently in Senegalese culture they tend to keep some things secret such as trips and births until just before the time. I am told it is to “protect” the thing which is about to happen and at least for trips it is also so that people will not have time to burden you with things [...]

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About the ACI (Baobab Center) Language Program

Africa Consultants International is a development-oriented consulting organization working in the fields of communication and training, primarily in Africa. Among its many activities, ACI offers courses in French, English and national languages (Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, Mandinka and Serer).
Courses range from intensive instruction (5 hours per day, five days a week) to less arduous schedules. Classes [...]

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Some Pulaar Words 2

aade – person
aan – you
asde – dig
baamuule – graveyard
dursitaade – recite
foonde – bush
fuunti – wile
gando – philosopher
haaldude – interview
halfude – own
jaggoowo – holder
jeetati – octa
joortaade – anticipate
kufne – hat
lamminde – acidify
neene – mother
saltude – ramify
seerde – secede
sohre – python
teere – current
tefde – calm
waylude – commute
wiide – say
Some Pulaar Words 1

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Traditional Jola Dancing in Senegal

This video shows traditional Jola body patting and dances by girls from Mlomp, Casamance region, Southern Senegal. It was recorded at The Akonting Center for Senegambian folkmusic, Mandinari, Gambia July 2006.

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When Arriving at the DKR International Airport

After arriving in Senegal, as you make your way out of the airport you will need to have your passport and yellow fever certificate ready to show to the security officials. After you have collected your luggage and made your way past the security officials and outside to the front of the airport you will [...]

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Janga Wolof Book Now Available

I have put together some of the more informative posts from this blog and organized them into a book which you can take with you and study away from the internet. You can purchase the book HERE. Thank you for your support.

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J’apprends le Wolof #2

This post is the second in my weekly series of translating the book “J’apprends le Wolof” by Jean-Léopold Diouf & Marina Yaguello (published by Karthala) from French into English. For the original post click ICI. Following are the pages leading up to the introduction.
I’m learning wolof
© Editions Karthala, 1991
ISBN : 2-86537-287-1
Jean-Leopold Diouf and Marina [...]

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Janga Wolof Merch Now Available

Please visit our new online shop at http://www.cafepress.com/JangaWolof & help support this blog. We have kept the prices as low as possible (right now we have only marked up each item $1!).

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Some Pulaar Words

aa – well
baylo – jeweler
ciyam – leak
eda – buffalo
fasde – boil
ferde – exile
jaggude – seize
jakre – hollow
kohaljinta – inconvienient
lajal – deadline
maa – you
maayka – nonsense
natal – painting
paabi – frogs
soppande – bite
sowande – fold
teppe – feet
weytaade – relax

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Pulaar Chanting in Mauritania

These are some Pulaar women in Garelboubou, Mauritania, singing during a break in a dyeing training.

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Before You Go To Senegal

Things you will need to enter Senegal;
Passport – You can either visit the websites below or your local post office to apply for a new passport or to renew an old one. It can take up to 6 weeks to recieve your passport, also passports must be valid for at least 3 months on entry, [...]

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J’apprends le Wolof / I’m Learning Wolof

I am in the process of translating the Wolof lesson book “J’apprends le Wolof” by Jean-Léopold Diouf & Marina Yaguello (published by Karthala) from French into English. I will try to post a page here every week. I am leaving for Senegal in a few weeks so I don’t know how often I will be [...]

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english n. wolof / french – A

english n. wolof / french
A
abandon v. baayi, wocca / abandonner
abdomen n. naxa / abdomen
ability n. mën, mun / capacité
ablaze v. taaka / feu
abnormal v. doyadi / anormal
above adv. kow, tiim / au-dessus
abroad adv. betimraw / à l’étranger
abscess n. taab / abcès
abundant adj. bari, las, naax, yomba / abondantes
accept v. nongu, nangu, taa / accepter
accommodate v. [...]

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Wolof Traditional Music of the Gambia

Traditional wolof singing and drumming by Group Rakaju of the Gambia. A onegambia.com production.

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Some Facts & Figures About Senegal

POPULATION:
12,853,259 (July 2008 est.)
ETHNIC GROUPS:
Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
RELIGIONS:
Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%
LANGUAGES:
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
CLIMATE:
Tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to [...]

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Visit the New SenegalOnline!

Translated from the site:
The site senePortal.com facelift: new design, new structure
dynamic new content. We hope that this fine tool will enable members
and the public to communicate better, drawing on news of Senegal.
There is still some adjustments to make (potential bugs recalcitrant)
and above all a good part of the contents of the old site [...]

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A Little About the Wolof Language

Wolof is a language spoken in Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania and to a lesser degree in other west African countries, and it is the native language of the ethnic group of the Wolof people. Like the neighboring language Fula, it belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Unlike most other languages of Sub-Sarahan [...]

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General Greetings / Salutations Général (Dialog)

Omar:
Salaamaaleekum.
Peace be upon you.

Moodu:
Maaleekum salaam.
Peace return to you.

Omar:
Jaama ngaam?
Do you have peace?

Moodu:
Jaama rek.
Peace only. (I’m fine.)

Omar:
Naka nga def?
How are you?

Moodu:
Maangi fi rek.
I am here only. (I’m fine.)

Omar:
Sa yaram jaama?
Is your body in peace? (How is your health?)

Moodu:
Jaama rek.
Peace only.

Omar:
Ana waa ker gi?
Where are the people of the house? (How is your family?)

Moodu:
Nunga [...]

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French Vocabulary – L & M

Vocabulaire Français – L & M

law
juridique

linguistics
linguistique

literary
littéraire

masculine
masculin

mathematics
mathématiques

medicine
médecine

music
musique

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A Short History on Senegal

Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Islam established itself in the Senegal River valley in the 11th century. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the Mandingo empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal also was founded during this time.
Various [...]

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French Vocabulary – G, H & I

Vocabulaire Français – G, H & I

geography
géographie

geology
géologie

geometry
géometrie

grammar
grammaire

historical
historique

interjection
interjection

invariable
invariable

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French Vocabulary – E & F

Vocabulaire Français – E & F

economics
économie

education
éducation

electricity
électricité

english
anglais

especially
surtout

euphemism
euphémisme

familiar
familier

feminine
féminin

figurative
figuré

finance
finance

formal
formel

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Wolof & Serere Singing in Gambia

Traditional singing at a programme organised by OneGambia Promotion.

More videos at www.onegambia.com.

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Grocery List

I used French for the Wolof when I was not able to find a Wolof word. Please leave a comment if you know the appropriate Wolof word for the ones I missed…jërejëf!

ENGLISH
WOLOF
FRENCH

bread
mbuuru
pain

cheese
fromage
fromage

red onion
soble xonxa
oignon rouge

cooking spray
la cuisine de pulvérisation
la cuisine de pulvérisation

tomato
tamaate
tomate

bananas
le secteur de la banane
le secteur de la banane

orange juice
jus d’orange
jus d’orange

potatoes
pompitéer
pommes de terre

ketchup
sauce [...]

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French Vocabulary – B & C

Vocabulaire Français – B & C

biology
biologie

botany
botanique

british
britannique

chemistry
chimie

commerce
commerce

computers
informatique

conjunction
conjonction

cooking
cuisine

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International Labor Day

Today is May Day or International Workers Day (Fête du Travail) which is observed all around the World as well as Senegal & Gambia.

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French Vocabulary – A

Vocabulaire Français – A

abbreviations
abréviations

adjective
adjectif

adverb
adverbe

agriculture
agriculture

anatomy
anatomie

and
et

architecture
architecture

astrology
astrologie

astronomy
astronomie

attributive
devant le nom

auxiliary
auxiliare

aviation
aviation

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Wolof on del.icio.us

Check out and add your own Wolof links at del.icio.us.

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French – Getting Around

A quelle heure part … ? – What time does the … leave?
le bateau – the boat
le bus – the bus
le bac – ferry
l’avion – the plane
le train – the train
le tramway – the tram
Le … bus passe a quelle heure? – What time’s the … bus?
premier – first
dernier – last
prochain – next
Combien d’arrers jusqu’a [...]

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Hausa

Hausa is the Chadic language with the largest number of speakers, spoken as a first language by about 24 million people, and as a second language by about 15 million more.
rain – ruwan sama
razor – reza
registered mail – wasik’a ta rajista
rent – yi hayar
repair – gyara
reservation – kama d’aki
restaurant – gidan cin abinci
return – koma
road [...]

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Senegal Independence Day

Senegal gained partial independence from France today in 1960 with complete independence achieved upon the dissolution of the Mali Federation on August 20th of the same year.
Brief video of Independence Day in Senegal…

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Ay Baatu Waxtaan

More time & directions…
Phrases To Practice / Phrases à la pratique
Ban waxtu moo jot? – What time is it?
Minwi jotna. – It is midnight.
Fukki waxtu ak ñaar jotna. – It is noon.
Naka laa fay demee? – How do I get there?
Ci wetu jumaa ji. – Next to the mosque.
Toppal yoon wi. – Follow this [...]

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A Words

Gambian Wolof…
aifaare – pagan
aik – climb
aikerty – lift/elevate
ailake – tomorrow
aina – mold
ainay – wish
alcarly – village leader
alfun – million
alheames – thursday
almet – match
almorre – cupboard
altineh – monday
am – have
amna – there is/is there
anndah – incense burner
antal – able
arba – lend
arbalanteh – share
arca – confront
arch – hang

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Time & Directions

Midi Jotna. – It is noon.
Netti waxtu ci ngoon jotna. – It is three in the afternoon.
Jubelal ci biir dekk ba. – Keep going straight through the town.
Ci ñaari waxtu la nuy egg. – We are arriving at two o’clock.
Da ngay tallal ci kanam. – Straight ahead.
Naari waxtu ci suba jotna. – It is [...]

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Wolof Lim Ak Xaalis

Wolof Numbers & Money
In Senegal they use the franc CFA (Communauté financière d’Afrique). But the traditional unit of currency is the dërëm which is counted by fives. Usually when dealing with money most people will deal strictly with the French terms for simplicity. If Wolof is used the dërëm is implied if not specifically said. [...]

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Great post on language in Senegal

http://petefreemaninsenegal.blogspot.com/2007/04/language.html

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Janga Wolof Archive Site

Please visit the Janga Wolof Archives at http://JangaWolof.blogspot.com.

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Diola

The Diola people inhabit the Casamance region of Senegal, and also southwestern Gambia, where their name is spelt Jola. Their language is Diola or Jola, not to be confused with the Dioula or Dyola spoken in Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire. Diola society is segmented and very flexible, so several dialects have developed which may [...]

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New Features

All of these can be found in the side bar…

Tag Cloud; this is comprised of all the tags that have been used on this blog, the more a tag has been used the bigger it is. Click on tags to take you to posts with that tag.
Meebo Chat; with this feature you can chat with [...]

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10 More Random Wolof Words

Courtesy of Firicat.com.

jula, , trader, peddler of foods, to trade
teret, n , trading season
daaj, , to nail (see pontu)
digal, , to advise, caution, instruct
jaaj, , large mound of cous in field
garaw, , danger
faas, [...]

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Religious Terms 2

Words & phrases with religious significance starting with the letter B.

Many of these terms may actually be Arabic or Wolofized Arabic. Many Wolof speakers practice Islam which uses the Arabic language.

baakaar, bakaar – sin, evil
baawaan – religious ceremony to pray for rain
Baay Faal – a type of Mourit (Mouride) follower, characterized by long hair (dreadlocks), [...]

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Sample Dialog

Adopted from 101 Languages of the World. Please mouse over each word for a direct translation.
Mme Jóob: Naka suba ngi? Dégg nga Angale?
Good morning. Do you speak English?
M. Mbaye: Jéggël ma, déggu ma Angale.
I’m sorry, I do not speak English.
Mme Jóob: Lu ko yaq, tuuti Wolof rekk la dégg.
Unfortunately, I speak only a little [...]

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If you live in the Portland, Or. area…

Please visit my friend’s store:
Your African Community Market, Inc.
5516 16th Ave. (off Killingsworth), Portland, Or. 97211
Everyday, 11am to 7pm
Mr. Karifa Koroma, 503-841-2108
African films, music & video plus a whole lot more.

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Wolof Language Courses

I have a list of links on the right hand side of this blog of places that teach Wolof. Check it out, perhaps there is a place near you. If you know of any other places please contact me so that I can add them to the list.

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Please Visit These Sites

Thank you!

AmayelsNotes.com
BarelyIncoherent.com
BennLoxo.com
HipHopWayOfLife.com
JammRekk503.com
KatieKrueger.com
NdajeMbooloo.com
Off2Senegal.com
Sociolingo.com

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A Very Small Taste of St. Louis, Senegal

St. Louis (san louie) Senegal

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10 Random Wolof Words

Courtesy of Firicat.com.

lef, n , thing
naju, adj. , be compressed
téng, , tight
baatale, verb , to leave a message with someone for somebody
set, , clean
goox, v , to hold liquid ones mouth
delēne, , cluster of stars
folé, , elastic
loolu, dem adj. , that thing (over [...]

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Travel Vocabulary IV

See Travel Vocabulary III
——————————————————-
Here are a few things that you may come across if traveling to Senegal or the Gambia.
bazin – dyed fabrics that are beaten to a shine with wooden clubs
campement – could be loosely translated as ‘hostel’, ‘inn’ or ‘lodge’, or even ‘motel’; it is not a camping ground (Senegal)
djembe – short, [...]

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Sorry about the lack of posting lately…

…But I’ve been busy doing other things but I’m back!

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Guest Post: ‘Toubab Cuts It All Off’ by Katie Krueger

Toubab Cuts It All Off
by Katie Krueger
One day, the Senegalese heat made me desperate to find ways to cool
down. Impulsively, I walked into the nearest Salon de Coiffure and
asked for a haircut and shampoo. As I was getting my hair washed, I
remembered what Richard, my stylist back home, used to say: “Katie,
we’re not just cutting [...]

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Religious Terms

Words & phrases with religious significance starting with the letter A. 
Many of these terms may actually be Arabic or Wolofized Arabic. Many Wolof speakers practice Islam which uses the Arabic language.
ajaratu – title given to a woman who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca
aji Makka – to go to Mecca
aj gi – the pilgrimage
Aji – [...]

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Travel Vocabulary III

See Travel Vocabulary II
——————————————————-
Here are a few things that you may come across if traveling to Senegal or the Gambia.
auberge – hostel or small hotel
balafon – wooden xylophone typically played by griots
calèche – horse-drawn cart used to carry goods and people, particularly in the rural regions of Senegal
dibiterie – grilled-meat stall
fête – festival (Senegal)
gargotte – [...]

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I Have a Dream …

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Weather or not

The weather is … today.
Dafa … teiy.

cold sehda
cool sehda
hot tarnga

It’s going to rain.
Dafa werra tarw.
It’s …
Mungeh …

raining tarw
drizzling wiswesal
thundering dainu
cloudy heene

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Ndaje Mbooloo

http://myspace.com/ndajembooloo

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Weights & Measures

Gambian dialect…
foot – foot

gallon – gallon

gram – gram

kilogram – kilo

kilometer – kilo

liter – leebahre

meter – meter

mile – mile

ounce – ounce

pound – pound

yard – yard
hmmm…not much different than standard English, eh?

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Wolof HipHop Video

Senegalese HipHop group Daara J which raps in Wolof, French and English. This track is called “Allah”. Rest In Peace DJ Makhtar…

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English > Français > Olaf

baby > bébé > néné
cow > vache > nag
east > est > penku
god > dieu > yaala
milk > lait > mééw
pain > douleur > miitē
truth > vérité > duuga
soap > savon > saabo

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Culture Notes – Greetings

Extended greetings are an important part of social interaction and many doors will open for you if you are capable of exchanging simple greeting phrases in the local language. Even a few words make a big difference.
Most areas are Islamic, and upon entering someone’s home, announce your arrival with a confident ‘Salaam aleikum’ (peace be [...]

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Wolof Style

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Wolof mots de vocabulaire

Wolof vocabulary words
bennen, benen – another
bennen u xarit am – another of his friends
doonte – if it were
doonte man … – if it were me …
garab g (garap) – tree; medicine
ci kow garab gi – up the tree
jappa – to seize, catch ; to suit
jappa biir – to become pregnant
lu – whatever
lu dul – unless
munga, [...]

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In case of emergency…

Help! – Wóoy! (wohy)
Call an ambulance! – Wooyal ma ambilaans bi! (woh-yal ma am-bi-laans bee)
Call a doctor! – Wooyal ma doktoor! (woh-yal ma dok-tohr)
Call the police! – Wooyal ma alkaati! (woh-yal ma al-kaa-tee)

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Suggested Reference Materials

Lonely Planet Phrasebooks: Africa
Along with 12 other languages used in Africa, including French & Arabic, this little phrasebook has a great little Wolof section. Lonely Planet is probably one of the best publishers of guidebooks and phrasebooks for travelers. Other Lonely Planet materials I would suggest are; French Phrasebook and/or Fast Talk Audio [...]

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Travel Vocabulary II

See Travel Vocabulary I
——————————————————-
Here are a few things that you may come across if traveling to Senegal or the Gambia.
alham – white Mercedes bus, also called N’Diaga N’Diaye in Dakar
beignet – simple deep-fried donut (Senegal)
calesh – horse-drawn taxi usually seating about three people behind the driver
demi-pension – half board (dinner, bed and breakfast) (Senegal)
essence – [...]

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Basic French Numbers

BASIC FRENCH NUMBERS
Nombres francais de base

un

un

1

deux

der

2

trois

trwa

3

quatre

ka-trer

4

cinq

sungk

5

six

sees

6

sept

set

7

huit

weet

8

neuf

nerf

9

dix

dees

10

I have noticed when listening to Wolof speaking people they tend to use French numbers (or sometimes even English) rather than Wolof numbers.

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JUNNI! JUNNI! JUNNI!

We have surpassed the 1000 mark for hits from unique visitors (in other words, 1000+ different people – or at least from different computers – have visited this site, not total overall visits).
I just want to thank everyone – JEREJEF! that have visited this blog…it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one reading [...]

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Kontaan Ees At!

Happy New Years! Bonne Années!
And here is a video, although not of a New Years celebration but a celebration none the less…

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Some Essential Wolof Phrases

“Expressions Ouolof Essentielles”
Na nga def. – Hello. (singular)
Na ngeen def. – Hello everybody. (plural)
Jaam nga fanane. – Good morning.
Jamm nga yendoo. – Good afternoon.
Fanaanal jaam. – Goodnight.
Ba beneen. – Goodbye.
Su la nexee. – Please.
Jai-rruh-jef. – Thank you.
Agsil. – You’re welcome. (singular)
Agsileen ak jaam. – You’re all welcome. (plural)
Baal ma. – Sorry./Pardon.
Wau. – Yes.
Deh-det. – No.
Jaam [...]

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Arabic/Islamic Phrases

Assalamu alaykum. – Peace be upon you.
Wa alaikumus salam. – And peace be upon you. (reply to above)
Allahu akbar. – Allah is greater. (takbir)
Al hamdu lilah wa shukru lillah. – Praise belongs to Allah and all thanks to Allah.
Bismillah ar rahman ar rahim. – In Allah’s name, most gracious, most merciful.
Insh’Allah. – If Allah [...]

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DATA UNAVAILABLE …

If you are wondering why the weather and solar/lunar conditions for Banjul is not appearing (located on the side bar on the right-hand side) it is apparently because the “City is not reporting.” Which can be caused by equipment or communication failure which can last from a few days to a few weeks. Once the [...]

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Days of the Week / Bési Ayubés Bi

Wolof names for the days of the week are mostly adopted from Arabic.
As usual you can mouse over for the French translations as well.
Monday – Alteneh / Altinay / Altine [al-ti-ney]
Tuesday – Talarta / Talata / Talaata [ta-laa-ta]
Wednesday – Arlahrba / Alarba / Àllarba [al-lar-ba]
Thursday – Alheames / Alxamess / Alxames [al-kha-mes]
Friday – Arjuma / [...]

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New Opposites List

 
New List Thanks To Tubaab bu jigeen
See The Original List & Comments Here “Opposites Attract”
     
beginning – ending (verb): door/tammbali – jeex/mujj
cheap – expensive: yomb – jafe
easy – difficult: jomb – jafe
friend – enemy: xarit – noon
happy – unhappy: beg – tiis
inside – outside: ci biir – ci biti
enter – get out: duggu – [...]

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Joyeux Noël

Merry Christmas to all of our readers!

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Random Vocab

These were taken from the Gambian Wolof – English Dictionary By David P. Gamble.
banxa – water lily
caxa – necklace
daay – bush fire, forest fire
kaala – turban
pat – a sore throat
pukkus – storage place, a retreat
raaf – to be destroyed, cease to exist
seey – to dissolve
tanna – to choose
waramba – gown

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Notes on Orthography

What’s orthography? It is basically a spelling system. Answers.com defines it as:

The art or study of correct spelling according to established usage.
The aspect of language study concerned with letters and their sequences in words.
A method of representing a language or the sounds of language by written symbols; spelling.

There are groups such [...]

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Opposites Attract

beginning – end dohre – jehh/rach
cheap – expensive yormba – sehre
easy – difficult yormba – nahary
friend – enemy [...]

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Happy Tabaski

Today is the Muslim holiday Tabaski. In most Muslim countries it is called Eid al-Adha but in much of West Africa it is called Tabaski. Tabaski is the commemoration of the Biblical patriarch Abraham’s (Ibrahim in Arabic) willingness to sacrifice his son as commanded by God. On Tabaski a sheep (or a goat) is slaughtered [...]

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Help Support Janga Wolof

I have added a donation link in the bottom of the sidebar at the right-hand side of this page. If you feel that this website has been of use to you and you happen to be in a giving mood today, I would greatly appreciate a very small contribution.
jere-jef…

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La League DJ Décalé Wolof

La League DJ Décalé Wolof

I do not know where this video is from but Décalé is very popular in the Ivory Coast which I have recently learned has a sizable Wolof population. At about position 1:20 in the video they do a call and response where the Wolof is very clear [...]

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All In the Family

family – njabort
grandfather – marm-bu-gore
grandmother – marm-bu-gegain
father – papa
mother – yarboie
husband – jaycahre
wife – jabahre
son – dorm-bu-gore
daughter – dorm-bu-gegain
older brother – maq-bu-gore
younger brother – raca-bu-gore
older sister – maq-bu-gegain
younger sister – raca-bu-gegain

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You got the time?

What time is it? Ban waxtoo jot?
Et maintenant en français; Quelle heure est-il?
Do you have a watch? Am nga montar?
Et en français; Avez-vous une montre?
   Yes, I have a watch. Waaw am naa montar.
Et maintenant en français; Oui, j’ai une montre.
   No, I don’t have a watch. Amuma montar.
Et en français; Non, je n’ai pas [...]

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Some Mandinka

The Mandinka language, sometimes referred to as Mandingo, is a Mandé language spoken by millions of Mandinka people in Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea-Bissau; it is the main language of The Gambia. It belongs to the Manding branch of Mandé, and is thus fairly similar to [...]

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