Learning Wolof

While I taught young people how to read, write, and speak in English, they taught me to do the same, in Wolof (also known as "Oulouf"). The Fulbright Association also required that I attend intensive lessons at the Baobab Center where the Peace Corp.'s method of learning is used. Here are a few samples from my notes:
Greetings | To Be | Favorite Expressions

A Greetings Dialogue:

• Asalaa Maalekum (May peace be with you.)
• Maalekum Salaam (And with you peace.)
• Na nga def? (How are you doing at home?)
• Mangi fii rekk (I exist only = fine, because you are not dead)
• Ana waa ker ga? (Where is your family?)
• Nn nga fa. (It exists there = fine, because they are not dead)
• Alxamdulilaay. (Thank God.)
• Alxamdulilaay. (Thank God.)

Note that there is no way to say one is sick because it is considered bad luck to mention that someone is not well. In addition, any alternative to being dead is "fine" with them. It is thus we learn of a different way of seeing the world thought their eyes using simple everyday greetings.

The verb "to be":

• Man Ameriken laa. (I am American.)
• Yo Ameriken nga. (You are American.)
• Kii Ameriken la. (This one is American.)
• Mon Ameriken la. (He/She is American.)


• Nun Ameriken lanu. (We are American.)
• Yeen Ameriken yeen. (You (plural) are American.)
• Noom Americen lanu. (They are American.)

Note that the verb is at the end of the phrase.