Language/Wolof/Grammar/Future-Tense

Wolof → Grammar → Future Tense

Hi Wolof learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the future tense in Wolof. The future tense describes actions that will happen in the future. It is an important tense to master when speaking or writing in Wolof.

Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Conjugation & Intensifiers.

Forming the Future Tense

The future tense in Wolof is formed by using the particle "ci" before the verb. The verb is then conjugated in the present tense. Here is an example:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
maangi	maàn-gi	eat (present tense)
ci maangi	ci-maàn-gi	will eat (future tense)

As we can see in the example, the particle "ci" is placed before the verb "maangi" to indicate that the action will happen in the future. The verb is then conjugated in the present tense as "maangi".

Let's look at another example:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
dale	da-lé	dance (present tense)
ci dale	ci-da-lé	will dance (future tense)

Again, we use the particle "ci" before the verb to indicate that it will happen in the future. The verb is then conjugated in the present tense as "dale".

Irregular Verbs

There are some verbs in Wolof that are irregular in the future tense. They do not follow the same pattern as regular verbs. Here are some examples:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
def	def	say (present tense)
ci tekki	ci-tek-ki	will say (future tense)

In this example, the irregular verb "def" is used. Instead of using "ci def", we use "ci tekki" to indicate the future tense. Another example of irregular verb is "màgg" (come):

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
màgg	mang	come (present tense)
ci jàmm	ci-jam	will come (future tense)

Here, we use "ci jàmm" instead of "ci màgg" to indicate the future tense.

Future Tense with "Naala"

Another way to indicate the future tense in Wolof is by using the word "naala" which means "later" or "afterwards". Here is an example:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
jàng	jang	go (present tense)
naala jàng	naala-jang	will go (future tense)

As we can see in the example, the word "naala" is used before the verb "jàng" to indicate future tense.

Examples in Dialogue

To see the future tense in context, let's have a dialogue between two friends:

• Fatou: Buur yi nga xar ci biir? (Did you buy milk at the market?)
• Awa: Déedéet ci biir. Ci yoonu jëm ci (Not yet, I will buy it later at the store.)

In this dialogue, we can see Awa using the future tense with the word "naala" to indicate that she will buy the milk later at the store.

Cultural Insight

In Wolof culture, the future tense is often used when making plans or talking about future events. It is also used to make promises, especially in business or politics. Knowing how to use the future tense correctly is essential when communicating with Wolof speakers.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned about the future tense in Wolof. We have seen how to form it using the particle "ci" and irregular verbs. We also learned about using the word "naala" to indicate future tense. Remember to practice using the future tense with your Wolof speaking friends. To improve your Wolof Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources

• Wolof language - Wikipedia
• Wolof Grammar Manual
• Modern Wolof Verbs: Master the simple tenses of the Wolof ...

Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Plural Nouns — Definite articles & Tenses.

Other Lessons

• Plural Nouns — Definite articles
• How to Use Have
• Static verbs
• Enonciative pronouns
• Notable characteristics
• Conditional Mood
• Pronouns and How to ask questions
• Possessive pronouns
• Adjectives
• Give your Opinion