Senegal: What you should absolutely know about my latest trip!

It has been a long while since I wrote a blog, but I am back and I am currently in Senegal! Earlier this year, I talked about the trip I took to Fuerteventura and shortly after, I actually visited Madeira too. In this blog I want to share a whole lot about my latest trip to Senegal, but mostly: what I have done so far. The last time I went to Senegal was in 2019, so it was about time I come back. Not only to see family and (new) friends, but also for my creative spirit. During the pandemic, I have been a lot more creative and been inspired by so many creatives in the Netherlands. Therefore, this trip to Senegal is supposed to be a source of inspiration, connection and some sort of homecoming. Before we get into what I have done so far, I created this mini-travel guide! There are many more pictures of what I have done so far here in Dakar. You can also download the mini-travel guide at the end of this blog. Let’s go!

(more…)

7. How To Easily Converse in Wolof: Waxtaan – Conversations

Welcome to the LAST Wolof Class: Waxtaan – Conversation! Yesterday, I taught you how to count in Wolof. Today, we are going to continue and finish by talking about Waxtaan. Which means to discuss or to conversate. Today, I want to focus on a couple of expressions and the way we talk in Wolof. It has officially been a week since I started Kaay ñu jang Wolof! Before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday (TODAY)! Until today, I posted a Wolof class on YouTube, a blogpost with a download to the syllabus and some stories and posts on my Instagram. I have to say that I am SO proud of myself! Especially since I decided to do this at the last moment. Such a procrastinator. – Let’s get into the last class: Waxtaan – Conversation.

(more…)

6. Waññi – Counting: How To Easily Count in Wolof

Welcome to the sixth and second last Wolof Class: Waññi – Counting. Yesterday, I taught you how to talk about colors in Wolof. Today, we are going to continue and talk about NUMBERS! It has almost been a week since we celebrated the independence of Senegal, but we are not done yet. When I think about numbers in Wolof, I usually think about counting to ten, or counting in French. It is a bit similar to the colors, but also a bit more complicated. However, before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! Until Saturday, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the second class: Waññi – Counting.

(more…)

5. Wirgo yi – Colors: How To Say Colors in Wolof

Welcome to the fifth Wolof Class: Wirgo yi – Colors. Yesterday, I taught you how to talk about food and drinks in Wolof. Today, we are going to talk about something we don’t really talk about in Senegal in Wolof: wirgo yi (colors). Although the celebrations are five days in, the show must go on! In all the time I have been in Senegal or heard Wolof, I have only heard three colors. I think mostly because we use French words for most colors. However, black, ñuul, white, weex, and red, xonq are the colors you do hear most in Wolof. Before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! Until Saturday, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the fifth class: Wirgo yi – Colors.

(more…)

4. Lekk ak naan – Food & drinks: How To Ask For Food in Wolof

Welcome to the fourth Wolof Class: Lekk ak naan – Food & drinks. Yesterday, I taught you how to talk about your body in Wolof. Today, we’ll continue and talk about our favorite thing in the world: FOOD AND DRINKS. Or better yet, Lekk ak naan. Celebrating independence day is not over, since we haven’t talked about food yet! As you know, I have eaten a lot in Senegal. Before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! Until Saturday, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the fourth class: Lekk ak naan – Food & drinks.

(more…)

3. Yaram gi – The body: How to talk in Wolof about your health

Welcome to the third Wolof Class: Yaram gi – The body. Yesterday, I taught you how to easily talk about family in Wolof. Today, we are going to continue the Wolof class and talk about our body or suñu yaram gi. Sunday April 4th, we celebrated the independence of Senegal, but the celebrations are NOT over (yet). While living in Senegal I went to the pharmacy or doctor a couple of times for my foot or tank. Not only that, but people always ask you about your health actually. Before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! Until Saturday, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the second class: Yaram gi – The body.

(more…)

2. Mbokk yi – Family: How To Easily Talk About Family in Wolof

Welcome to the second Wolof Class: Mbokk yi – Family. Yesterday, I taught you how to survive your first conversation in Wolof. Today, we are going to continue and talk about the people we most care about: suñu mbokk yi (our family members). Yesterday we celebrated the independence of Senegal, but today we continue the Wolof class. Since I have been traveling to Senegal, I have learned a lot about family. Mostly, what it means in Senegal, culturally. Before we get into the subject: don’t forget to join the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! Until Saturday, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the second class: Mbokk yi – Family.

(more…)

1. Nuyoo – Greetings: How To Survive Your First Wolof Conversation

Nuyoo - Greetings

Welcome to the first Wolof Class: Nuyoo – Greetings! For this years celebration of Senegal’s independence, I wanted to do a Wolof class. Since 2010, I have been learning Wolof bit by bit by going to Senegal almost each year. Not only that, but I consciously decided that I wanted to experience living there. Eventually I did my internship and research for my thesis in Dakar too. After graduation, I decided to buy a one-way ticket and ended up living in Senegal for over a year. When I came back, I finally gave into watching Senegalese shows such as Maîtresse d’un homme marié. Today, I work as an interpretor and use the Wolof language here in the Netherlands. Also, I recently joined the SeneGambia Vibes Club on ClubHouse where we do a Wolof class each Saturday! For a week, I will be posting a Wolof class on YouTube. The video will contain a dialogue about the subject of that class and then we will dissect it. I will also share additional information on my Instagram and a downloadable syllabus in each blog for the class! – Let’s get into the first class: Nuyoo – Greetings.

(more…)