Language/Wolof/Culture/Family

Family terminology

Families are bigger in Senegal, and the idea of family is much less exclusive. People may refer to others as brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, aunt, etc., even when they’re not related by blood. This can indicate respect (especially uncle, aunt, father, mother), or close ties. It can also be useful when you don’t know or can’t remember someone’s name. If you want to establish exact genealogical relationship, you need to ask specific questions: do you have the same mum? Is he your mum’s old brother?

Namesake

Within the compound, children named after their grandparents are rarely referred to by their given name. For example, Aliou may be called “Papa/Pap/Baay” and Mariama may be called “Mami/Maam/Ndey.”

Family stratification (age)

Birth order is more important in Senegal than in America. The older child always gets first dibs on food, chairs, toys, etc. Head of household is a well-defined role in every compound. This is usually the father of the main nuclear family, but can be a woman if her husband is deceased. The head of household gives out money for daily expenses, and has the final say on any major decision. Gifts should be given to him’ for him to distribute, unless you particularly want someone else to have it. Traditionally, people mainly in the villages, don’t make a big deal out of birth dates, and it’s not to be sure exactly how old they are.

Polygamy

You may be in a family where the father has more than (1) wife, it’s normal and common in the society. This complicates family relationships from a western’s point of view; co-wives, halfbrothers etc., are new concepts.

Privacy

Periods of being alone are considered indispensable for by westerns. But, in Senegal, It’s considered normal to be constantly surrounded by people and when it happen to you, take it as a compliment and know that you are treated as a community member. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit chat with others for hours on end. Instead of anxiously waiting for everyone to leave so you can write a letter for example, go ahead and do it without feeling like you have to find something for the other to do. If you feel like leaving the group so you can do something else, apologize and leave.

Sources

http://publish.illinois.edu/wolof201fall14/files/2014/08/NEW_WOLOF_BOOK.pdf

Other Lessons

• Social stratification or caste
• How to bargain
• Time
• Funerals
• Senegal Timeline
• Setting time
• Caste or social stratification considerations
• Taajabòon
• What are you expected to do
• Visiting a sick person