Wolof 101

Here's a quick lesson on the basic Wolof greeting. Greetings and salutations are extremely important in Senegalese culture, and these few lines will help you make many friends!

Person 1: Asalaa Malekum! (Peace be with you!)
Person 2: Malekum Salaam! (And peace be with you!)
Person 1: Na nga def? (How are you doing?)
Person 2: Maa ngiy fii rekk. (I'm doing well. Literally: I am here alone)
Person 1: Ana waa ker ga? (How is your family?)
Person 2: Nu nga fa. (They are doing well. Literally: They are there)
Person 1: Alhamdulilaay! (Thank god!)

Senegalese culture is much more relaxed than American, and family much more valued. Even if you are running late or in a rush somewhere, it is impolite not to go through the above series of greetings. One should show an interested and relaxed manner in their companions, and be sure not to cut off a conversation. If you need to ask someone a question, it is very important to greet them first before asking anything.