Language/Wolof/Culture/Time

Most of the time, time is given in French. However, prayer times are often used to refer to time when precision is not necessary;

it’s either “gannaaw tisbaar” or “ballaa timis” so you can guess that it’s really elastic and you’ll need to deal with.

Ponctuality is not a particular important concept in most of the places here.

Don’t plan to meet people at a prayer time, unless you mean generally around that time.

It’s also a bad time to try to buy something, as the seller may be praying (although you can always just wait a few minutes until he finishes).

The hot part of the day is for drinking tea and/or napping. You won’t be expected to work/go anywhere then.

After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Wolof Culture Politeness and Respect, Wolof Culture: History and Traditions of Art and Music, Traditional Clothing & Gender consideration.

Source

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

Other Lessons

• Gender consideration
• Funerals
• Taajabòon
• Family
• Caste or social stratification considerations
• Setting time
• Sërice or travel gifts
• Social stratification or caste
• Weddings
• What are you expected to do