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Word Reference

My English is being infused with many different Wolof-isms, so for some of the following updates, you may need to see this list to understand some of the new words I may  have accidentally or not so accidentally mixed in.

  • Alham - Senegalese public transportation. A bus/van crossover that fits infinitely more people and animals than you could ever imagine. Often slow and sweaty, but cheap. I don't know its actual name, but volunteers have named them based on the large 'Alhamdulillah' across the top of all their windshields
  • Ceeb - Rice in wolof. Also short for ceebu jen, rice and fish, a very popular senegalese dish 
  • Charet: A two wheeled cart pulled by horse or donkey.
  • Garage - A transportation hub filled with all forms of public transportation. See sept-place and alham.
  • Inshallah - God willing/hopefully, Arabic. Often used seriously, but is also a nice way of saying 'no when invited to do something'.
  • Jambar - Hard Worker. Warrior.
  • Jamm - Peace in wolof. Also spelled 'Diam'. This word finds its way in every conversation.
  • Mashallah - God willed it so, Arabic.
  • Noppalu - to rest or nap.
  • Nos - Fun in wolof. Often associated with being spendy or 'eating your money'. Begg nga lekk sa xalis??? (do you like to eat your money?)
  • Rekk - only in Wolof. Often thrown on the end of other words like 'Jamm Rekk'.
  • Sept-Place - Common public transportation in Senegal. A seven passenger station wagon that only leaves when all the seats are full.
  • Tapalapa - a bagette style loaf made in giant kilns all over town. Also known as village bread because in bigger cities, a machine makes standard baguettes where as these are all hand made.
  • Toubaab - Name for a westerner. Generally refering to the french but it has expanded to even a term for senegalese people that act or dress western. Non-offensive but can get annoying when little kids yell it on repeat.
  • Terenga – The senegalese principal of hospitality. This is no joke, they will offer to feed you if you are even within earshot of the lunch bowl

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