Language/Wolof/Culture/The-concept-of-“Inchallah”

Inchallah or Bu soobee Yalla or Bu neexee Yalla, they all mean “God willing”.

It’s a common response to “ba Suba” (see you tomorrow) and all assertions about the future. Even, the firmest arrangements with someone will always have this caveat.

The future in Senegal is less certain than in America, so regardless of how sure you are that you will do something, people generally add “inchallah,” for good measure.

So don’t take as a lie or unwillingness as some may tend to interpret it.

For example, someone may fully intend to come to a meeting or to have lunch with you, but if something comes up that is out of his immediate control (like rain or illness), he won’t be able to make it.

Therefore, he will say, “I’ll be there, inchallah,” to account for the unforeseen. However, some people may also use “inchallah” as a polite way to decline an invitation. You’ll learn to read people and be able to tell whether they’re telling you “Yes, No, or Maybe”.

After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Wolof Culture Politeness and Respect, Wolof Culture: History and Traditions of Art and Music, Social Hierarchy & How to deal with caste.

Source

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

Other Lessons

• Importance of volunteer
• Family
• Social stratification or caste
• Setting time
• Gift of ceremonies
• Ndéwènal
• Baptism or naming ceremony
• How to deal with caste
• How to bargain
• Taajabòon