French
French is inherited from the colonial era of Senegal. It is used by the government and is understood by around 15-20% of all males and 1-2% of all females (a lot of the population speak their tribal tongue). all femal
Wolof
Wolof is a language of Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritania, and the native language of the Wolof people. Unlike most other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof is not a tonal language.
Phrases:
Phrases:
Wolof
Merhbe Na nga def (sg) Na ngeen def (pl) Salaam aleekum Jaam nga am? (Have you peace?) Na nga def?Jaam rek (Peace only) Yow nag? (and you?) Mangi fi rekk, na nga def? |
Other Languages
Because Senegal has so many tribes and different people groups, there are many different languages that are spoken. A few of these have the status of "national languages": Balanta-Ganja, Hassaniyya, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noon, Pulaar, Serer, Soninke, and of course, Wolof.