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Revision as of 22:14, 2 April 2023
| ◀️ Introducing Yourself — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Greetings and Social Etiquette ▶️ |
Introduction
In Wolof culture, respect and politeness are highly valued. Even among close family and friends, it is important to show proper respect through language and behavior. In this lesson, you will learn about the cultural values of politeness and respect in Wolof and how to express them through language.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Setting time & Funerals.
Politeness and Respect in Wolof Culture
Showing respect is an important aspect of Wolof culture. It is expected that younger people show respect to their elders, and that people of all ages show respect to those in positions of authority.
In Wolof culture, showing respect often involves using special words or phrases when addressing someone. For example, the word "ginnaaw" (pronounced "gin-now") means "sir" or "ma'am" and is often added to the end of a person's name or title when addressing them. Using this word is a way to show respect and politeness.
Another example is the phrase "jamm rekk" (pronounced "jahm wrech"), which means "peace only." This phrase is often used as a polite response to the question "naka nga def?" (How are you?). It is a way to show that you are only looking for peace and do not wish to engage in any negativity or conflict. This is another example of how politeness and respect are expressed through language in Wolof culture.
Using Appropriate Titles
Using appropriate titles is another way to show respect in Wolof culture. When addressing someone who is older or in a position of authority, it is important to use the correct title.
For example, the Wolof word for "teacher" is "jaay" (pronounced "jahy"), so addressing a teacher as "jaay" instead of by their first name shows respect. Similarly, the Wolof word for "leader" is "almpamy" (pronounced "alm-pah-mee"), so addressing a religious leader or community elder as "almpamy" shows respect.
Respectful Phrases
In addition to using appropriate titles and special words, there are also respectful phrases that are commonly used in Wolof culture. These phrases are a way to show politeness and respect, particularly when making requests or asking for someone's help or advice.
One such phrase is "yaa jaraam" (pronounced "yah jah-rahm"), which means "if God wills it." This phrase is often used when making plans or asking for someone's help, as a way to acknowledge that everything happens according to God's will and that there is a higher power at work in the world.
Another example is the phrase "buur ca sa bopp" (pronounced "boor cah sah bop"), which means "may your day go well" or "have a good day." This phrase is often used when parting ways with someone and is a way to express goodwill and positive energy.
Importance of Body Language
In addition to language, body language also plays an important role in expressing respect and politeness in Wolof culture. Making eye contact, smiling, and standing up straight are all ways to show respect and convey a positive attitude towards others.
On the other hand, avoiding eye contact, slouching, or folding your arms across your chest are seen as disrespectful and can make others feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. By paying attention to your body language, you can ensure that you are expressing respect and politeness in a way that is clear and effective.
Vocabulary
Here are some words and phrases related to politeness and respect in Wolof:
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ginnaaw | gin-now | sir/ma'am |
| jamm rekk | jahm wrech | peace only |
| jaay | jahy | teacher |
| almpamy | alm-pah-mee | religious leader/community elder |
| yaa jaraam | yah jah-rahm | if God wills it |
| buur ca sa bopp | boor cah sah bop | have a good day/may your day go well |
Practice
Here are a few practice scenarios for showing respect and politeness in Wolof:
Scenario 1:
You are at a community meeting where a respected elder is speaking. How would you address him/her and express your appreciation for their words?
Answer: You could address the elder as "almpamy" and say "ndor dem ci jangoro" (pronounced "n-door dem chee jahn-goh-roh"), which means "thank you for your words."
Scenario 2:
You need to ask your boss for an important day off. How would you make your request in a polite and respectful way?
Answer: You could address your boss using "ginnaaw" and say "alxamdoulilah, dinaa ragal laa" (pronounced "ahl-hahm-doo-lee-lah, dee-nah rah-gahl lah"), which means "thank God you are here." Then you could explain that you need the day off and ask if it would be possible to take it.
Scenario 3:
You have just met someone who is older than you and you want to express respect and politeness. How might you greet them?
Answer: You could use the phrase "as-salaam alaikum" (pronounced "as sah-lahm ah-lah-ee-koom"), which means "peace be upon you." This is a traditional greeting in many Muslim cultures and is a way to express goodwill and respect.
Cultural Insight
Respect and politeness are highly valued in Wolof culture, both in language and in behavior. It is important to show respect to those who are older or in positions of authority, and to express politeness in all interactions with others. By using appropriate titles, special words and phrases, and paying attention to body language, you can ensure that you are expressing respect and politeness in a way that is clear and effective.
Other Lessons
- Family
- Hierarchy
- Giving directions
- Gift of ceremonies
- Social stratification or caste
- Senegal Timeline
- How to deal with caste
- How to bargain
- Funerals
- Baptism or naming ceremony
| ◀️ Introducing Yourself — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Greetings and Social Etiquette ▶️ |