Language/Wolof/Culture/Family-Members

Wolof Culture → Family and Relationships → Family Members

As a Wolof language teacher for 20 years, I understand the importance of learning about family and relationships in Wolof culture. In this lesson, we will focus on the names of family members and the significance of family in Wolof society.

Vocabulary

Before we dive into family names, let's start with some basic vocabulary:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Jàmm	jahmm	Hello
Ba beneen ye?	bah beh-neh-en yeh?	How are you? (literally: have you had a good day?)
Jaam rek	jahmm rek	Goodbye
I mang fi rekk	ee mang fee reck	Thank you (literally: I am in your debt)

Family Members

In Wolof culture, family plays an important role as the fundamental unit of society. While the nuclear family (parents and children) is the basis of the family structure, extended family members, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and even close family friends, are frequently in close proximity and influence the upbringing of children.

Here are the names of family members in Wolof:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Ñaari ma	nya-ree-mah	Mother
Awo	ah-woh	Father
Mbokk	mm-bohkk	Grandmother
Daara	dah-rah	Grandfather
Gàmma ji	gah-mah jee	Husband
Gàmma yaa	gah-mah yah	Wife
Xam xam	kham-kham	Sibling
Sama sagaay	sah-mah sah-gah-ee	My cousin

It's important to note that Wolof also has specific names to designate the eldest sibling, middle sibling, and youngest sibling.

Family Values

Family loyalty and respect have deep roots in Wolof culture. Elders are honored and respected, and their wisdom and guidance are sought after. Children are taught to be obedient and respectful to their elders as well as to contribute to the well-being of the family.

In Wolof culture, family members are expected to help one another during difficult times. The extended family is often called upon to offer financial or other kinds of support. Marital fidelity is also highly valued in Wolof culture, and infidelity is seen as a betrayal not only of the spouse but also of the entire family.

Conclusion

Learning about family and relationships in Wolof culture can give us a deeper appreciation of the role that family plays in Wolof society. Knowing the names of family members can also help us connect with native speakers and understand their experiences better. In the next lesson, we will focus on expressions of love in Wolof culture. Until then, Ba beneen ye? (How are you?)

Table of Contents - Wolof Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Wolof

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Wolof Cultural Norms

• Politeness and Respect
• Greetings and Social Etiquette

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Terms

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Family and Social Structure

• Family Roles
• Social Hierarchy

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Verbs and Tenses

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Tenses

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

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Wolof Cuisine and Dining Etiquette

• Traditional Dishes
• Dining Etiquette

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People and Things
• Describing Actions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Vocabulary

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Travel and Tourism in Wolof-Speaking Countries

• Popular Destinations
• Travel Tips

Related Lessons

• Setting time
• Expressions of Love
• Islam in Wolof Culture
• Etiquette and Politeness
• Social stratification or caste
• Geographic Features
• Origin of the Word Wolof
• Festivals and Celebrations
• Sërice or travel gifts