Language/Wolof/Grammar/Future-Tense

Wolof → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Future Tense

Welcome to the lesson on the future tense in Wolof! In this segment, we will explore how to express future actions in this vibrant language. Understanding the future tense is essential because it allows you to communicate plans, intentions, and expectations effectively. Mastering this aspect will empower you to partake in conversations about what lies ahead, whether it's discussing your plans for the weekend or expressing hopes for the future.

In Wolof, the future tense is formed using specific markers that indicate an action will take place after the present time. This lesson will guide you through the formation of the future tense for both regular and irregular verbs, providing you with a solid foundation to use in various contexts.

Importance of Future Tense

The future tense is crucial in any language, as it enables speakers to convey their intentions, aspirations, and predictions. In Wolof, mastering the future tense enhances your conversational skills and allows for more meaningful interactions. Whether you are planning a trip, discussing future events, or expressing your hopes, being comfortable with the future tense will enrich your learning experience.

Structure of the Lesson

This lesson will cover the following key points:

• Formation of the future tense

• Future tense for regular verbs

• Future tense for irregular verbs

• Examples to illustrate the concepts

• Exercises to practice what you've learned

• Detailed solutions and explanations

Formation of the Future Tense

In Wolof, the future tense is typically formed by adding specific prefixes or markers to the verb. Understanding how these markers work will help you frame sentences that indicate actions happening in the future.

Future Tense Markers

1. Future Marker: "na"

• This marker is commonly used for forming the future tense in both regular and irregular verbs.

2. Structure:

• The basic structure for the future tense is:

• Subject + Future Marker + Verb

Regular Verbs

For regular verbs, the future tense is straightforward. The future marker "na" is placed before the verb root.

Example Table: Regular Verbs

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
jàng naa	[dʒãŋ naː]	I will learn
xam naa	[xam naː]	I will know
def naa	[dɛf naː]	I will do
yàgg naa	[jɑg naː]	I will wait
gëj naa	[ɡeʤ naː]	I will play
jox naa	[dʒɔx naː]	I will give
wàcc naa	[wɑtʃ naː]	I will come
seet naa	[sɛt naː]	I will see
tàmbali naa	[tãmbali naː]	I will travel
soxla naa	[sɔxlɑ naː]	I will help

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs may not follow the same patterns as regular verbs. However, the future tense formation remains consistent with the future marker "na".

Example Table: Irregular Verbs

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
bëgg naa	[bɛg naː]	I will want
am naa	[ãm naː]	I will have
dégg naa	[dɛg naː]	I will hear
jëf naa	[dʒɛf naː]	I will use
réy naa	[rɛj naː]	I will want (as in desire)
màgg naa	[mɑg naː]	I will be able
defar naa	[dɛfar naː]	I will create
jàngal naa	[dʒãŋal naː]	I will teach
fés naa	[fɛs naː]	I will know (in terms of knowledge)
jël naa	[dʒɛl naː]	I will take

Examples of Future Tense Usage

To solidify your understanding, let’s explore various sentences using the future tense. Here are some examples that illustrate how to use the future tense in different contexts:

Example Sentences

1. I will learn Wolof.

• Wolof: Jàng naa Wolof.

2. She will help me tomorrow.

• Wolof: Wër naa ma boroom.

3. They will play football next week.

• Wolof: Nuyoo naa jëfandik.

4. We will travel to Dakar.

• Wolof: Nuyoo naa tàmbali ci Dakar.

5. He will eat lunch at noon.

• Wolof: Tey naa naan.

6. You will see your friends.

• Wolof: Aay naa sa xarit.

7. I will visit my family.

• Wolof: Jox naa sa jigeen.

8. She will go to the market.

• Wolof: Gëj naa ànd ak marché.

9. They will study for the exam.

• Wolof: Nuyoo naa jàng ci test bi.

10. We will celebrate the holiday.

• Wolof: Nuyoo naa jéem ci fête bi.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Below are exercises designed to help you apply the future tense in various scenarios.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the future tense.

1. I (to learn) ______.

2. You (to go) ______ to the market.

3. They (to play) ______ football next week.

4. We (to eat) ______ dinner at 7 PM.

5. She (to visit) ______ her grandmother.

Exercise 2: Translate to Wolof

Translate the following sentences into Wolof using the future tense.

1. I will help you.

2. He will see the doctor.

3. We will travel to Saint-Louis.

4. They will attend the meeting.

5. You will learn new words.

Exercise 3: Verb Conjugation

Conjugate the following verbs in the future tense.

1. jox (to give)

2. jàng (to learn)

3. bëgg (to want)

4. am (to have)

5. jëf (to use)

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

Using the following prompts, create sentences in Wolof using the future tense.

1. I / to read / a book.

2. You / to cook / dinner.

3. They / to play / a game.

4. We / to watch / a movie.

5. She / to write / a letter.

Exercise 5: Match the Sentences

Match the English sentences with their Wolof translations.

1. I will go to school.

2. They will drink tea.

3. She will dance at the party.

4. We will learn together.

5. He will call his friend.

| English Sentences | Wolof Translations |

|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|

| A. Nuyoo naa jàng ci wékk. | 1. Bëgg naa ci ekool. |

| B. Wër naa ma boroom. | 2. Nuyoo naa ñaan. |

| C. Jàng naa ak jàng. | 3. Wër naa ci jëfandik. |

| D. Nuyoo naa jëf ci jàng. | 4. Jëf naa sa xarit. |

| E. Nuyoo naa jëfandik. | 5. Gëj naa ànd ak toubab. |

Exercise 6: Dialogue Completion

Complete the dialogue with the correct future tense forms.

A: What will you do tomorrow?

B: I (to visit) ______ my friend.

A: What will they eat for lunch?

B: They (to eat) ______ at the restaurant.

Exercise 7: Peer Practice

Pair up with a classmate and take turns asking each other questions using the future tense. For example:

• What will you do this weekend?

• Where will you go next holiday?

Exercise 8: Writing Practice

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about your plans for next week using the future tense.

Exercise 9: Verb Identification

Identify the verbs in the following sentences and indicate whether they are regular or irregular, along with their translations.

1. Jàng naa Wolof.

2. Jëf naa ànd ak xarit.

3. Yàgg naa jëfandik.

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

In small groups, discuss your future plans. Use the future tense to share what you will do, where you will go, and who you will meet.

Solutions and Explanations

Now, let's go through the solutions to the exercises for better understanding.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. Jàng naa.

2. Gëj naa ci marché.

3. Nuyoo naa jëfandik.

4. Nuyoo naa naan ci 7 PM.

5. Wër naa sa jigeen.

Exercise 2: Translate to Wolof

1. Jàng naa sa.

2. Gëj naa doctor bi.

3. Nuyoo naa tàmbali ci Saint-Louis.

4. Nuyoo naa ànd ak réunion bi.

5. Aay naa jàng new words.

Exercise 3: Verb Conjugation

1. Jox naa.

2. Jàng naa.

3. Bëgg naa.

4. Am naa.

5. Jëf naa.

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

1. Jàng naa livre bi.

2. Aay naa jëf ci jàng.

3. Nuyoo naa jëfandik.

4. Nuyoo naa wàcc ci film bi.

5. Wër naa jëf ci lettre bi.

Exercise 5: Match the Sentences

1 - A

2 - B

3 - C

4 - D

5 - E

Exercise 6: Dialogue Completion

A: What will you do tomorrow?

B: I will visit my friend.

A: What will they eat for lunch?

B: They will eat at the restaurant.

Exercise 7: Peer Practice

Continue the practice in pairs, encouraging conversation and the use of the future tense.

Exercise 8: Writing Practice

Review and share your paragraphs with the class.

Exercise 9: Verb Identification

1. Jàng (regular) - to learn

2. Jëf (regular) - to use

3. Yàgg (irregular) - to wait

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

Encourage sharing of future plans in the future tense and provide feedback to each other.

Congratulations! You have now learned how to use the future tense in Wolof. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to express your plans and intentions fluently!

Table of Contents - Wolof Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Wolof

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Wolof Cultural Norms

• Politeness and Respect
• Greetings and Social Etiquette

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Terms

  ---

Family and Social Structure

• Family Roles
• Social Hierarchy

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Tenses

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Wolof Cuisine and Dining Etiquette

• Traditional Dishes
• Dining Etiquette

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People and Things
• Describing Actions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Vocabulary

  ---

Travel and Tourism in Wolof-Speaking Countries

• Popular Destinations
• Travel Tips

Sources

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

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