Language/Wolof/Vocabulary/Eating-and-Drinking
In this lesson, you will learn the Wolof vocabulary related to eating and drinking. This includes common meal times, utensils, and beverages. Wolof cuisine and dining etiquette will also be discussed. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to talk about food and dining in Wolof with confidence.
Meal Times
Meals are an important part of Wolof culture, and there are specific words used to describe meal times.
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
jerëjef | jeh-reh-jef | Thank you (after finishing a meal) |
suba | soo-bah | Morning |
fajr | fah-jer | Before sunrise (for Muslims fasting during Ramadan) |
bërëf | beh-reh-f | Noon |
nàgg | nahg | Evening |
guddi | goo-dee | Night |
- Breakfast is not a traditional meal in Wolof culture, but it is becoming more common in urban areas.
- Lunch is the main meal of the day, and it is usually eaten around noon.
- Dinner is typically eaten late in the evening, around 8 or 9 pm.
Utensils
Wolof cuisine relies heavily on hands-on eating, and utensils are not always used. However, there are still important words to know related to utensils and table settings.
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
buur | boor | Spoon |
mbokk | em-bokk | Bowl |
laate | laa-teh | Fork |
seer | seer | Cup |
- Meals are often served on a large communal plate, and everyone eats with their hands from the same dish.
- Forks and knives are not commonly used, but spoons can be used for soups and stews.
Beverages
Beverages play an important role in Wolof culture, and there are several Wolof words for different types of drinks.
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ñaar | nyar | Water |
ataya | ah-tie-yah | Sweet mint tea served in three rounds |
bennéfé | ben-neh-feh | Hibiscus tea |
bu-weer | boo-weh-r | Coffee |
mangoos | man-goos | Mango juice |
- Ataya is an important beverage in Wolof culture and is often ceremoniously served to visitors.
- Mango juice is also a popular beverage in Wolof cuisine.
Wolof Cuisine
Wolof cuisine is known for its flavorful stews and rice dishes. Here are some common Wolof dishes to know:
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
thiéboudienne | cheh-boo-jen | Senegalese national dish of fish, rice, and vegetables |
yassa | yah-sah | Chicken or fish cooked in onion and mustard sauce |
mafé | mah-fay | Stew made with peanut sauce and served with rice |
pastels | pas-tels | Fried dough stuffed with fish and vegetables |
- Wolof cuisine has been influenced by different cultures, including French and North African cuisine.
- Meals are often served with a side of couscous or millet.
Dining Etiquette
In Wolof culture, dining is an important social event and is often done communally. Here are some dining etiquette tips to keep in mind:
- When eating with others, it is important to wait for everyone to arrive before beginning the meal.
- It is polite to use your right hand to eat or drink, as the left hand is considered unclean in Wolof culture.
- When sharing a communal plate, it is customary to eat only from the section in front of you instead of reaching across the plate.
- It is polite to say "jerëjef" (thank you) after finishing your meal.
With these tips in mind, you should feel confident in your ability to dine with Wolof speakers and enjoy their delicious cuisine.
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