The Wolof language offers a unique and culturally rich way of expressing time and dates. Whether you’re planning a meeting, discussing past events, or learning how to navigate daily life in Wolof-speaking regions, understanding how time and dates work in Wolof is essential.
This article explores how to tell time, discuss days, months, and seasons, and provides useful phrases and tips to communicate effectively about time and dates in Wolof.
Wolof Vocabulary for Time
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Waxtu | [waxtu] |
| Hour | Waxtu | [waxtu] |
| Minute | Minit | [mi.nit] |
| Second | Sekond | [se.kɔnd] |
| Morning | Suba | [su.ba] |
| Afternoon | Ngont | [ŋɡɔnt] |
| Evening | Guddi | [ɡud.di] |
| Night | Géejji | [ɡeːdʒ.dʒi] |
Telling Time in Wolof
Time in Wolof uses the word waxtu to indicate the hour. For minutes, numbers are added after the hour.
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| What time is it? | Ban waxtu la? | [ban waxtu la] |
| It’s 1 o’clock | Waxtu juroom benn la | [waxtu dʒu.rɔm bɛn la] |
| It’s 2:15 | Waxtu ñaar ak fukki fanweer | [waxtu ɲaːr ak fu.ki fan.wer] |
| It’s half past 3 | Waxtu ñett ak genn wàllu | [waxtu ɲɛt ak gɛn walu] |
| It’s 10 minutes to 4 | Waxtu ñeent nekk fukki waxtu ci kaw | [waxtu ɲɛnt nɛk fuki waxtu tʃi kaw] |
Key Notes:
- Fukki fanweer: Fifteen minutes.
- Genn wàllu: Half an hour.
- Ci kaw: “On top of” or before the next hour.
Days of the Week in Wolof
Days of the week are integral for scheduling and discussing events.
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Altine | [al.tin] |
| Tuesday | Talaata | [ta.laː.ta] |
| Wednesday | Alarba | [a.lar.ba] |
| Thursday | Alxames | [al.xa.mɛs] |
| Friday | Aljuma | [al.dʒu.ma] |
| Saturday | Gaawu | [ɡaː.wu] |
| Sunday | Dibéer | [di.beːr] |
Months in Wolof
Although modern Wolof often uses French months, traditional Wolof names for months are deeply tied to the Islamic calendar and natural cycles.
| English | Wolof (Modern) | Wolof (Traditional) | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Janwiyeer | Gamou | [dʒan.wi.jeːr] |
| February | Feebar | Kori | [fe.bar] |
| March | Maaris | Cëkka | [maː.ris] |
| April | Abiril | Wër-wër | [a.bir.il] |
| May | Mee | Suufi | [meː] |
| June | Suwi | Bërkër | [su.wi] |
| July | Sulet | Lën | [su.lɛt] |
| August | Ut | Farataax | [ut] |
| September | Septambar | Naari bés | [sɛp.tam.bar] |
| October | Oktobar | Njàar | [ɔk.to.bar] |
| November | Nowembar | Tawaxar | [no.wɛm.bar] |
| December | Desambar | Lewoo | [de.sam.bar] |
Seasons in Wolof
Senegal and The Gambia have a climate centered around two main seasons, reflected in Wolof vocabulary:
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Rainy Season | Ndoxum weer | [ndɔxum wɛr] |
| Dry Season | Ràbi | [ra.bi] |
Common Phrases for Dates and Time
| English | Wolof | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| What day is it today? | Lan moo jog ci bés bii? | [lan moː dʒoɡ tʃi bɛs biː] |
| Today is Monday | Bés bu nekk Altine la | [bɛs bu nɛk al.tin la] |
| When is your appointment? | Ban waxtu la sa yoon? | [ban waxtu la sa joːn] |
| See you tomorrow | Ba cañaar | [ba tʃa.ɲaːr] |
| Yesterday was Sunday | Démb du Dibéer la | [dɛmb du di.beːr la] |
| What is the date today? | Lan la fan bi tay? | [lan la fan bi taj] |
Cultural Notes on Time in Wolof-Speaking Regions
- Flexible Time Perception
In Wolof-speaking cultures, time is often viewed more flexibly than in Western cultures. Punctuality is less rigid, and social gatherings might start later than scheduled. - Religious Influence
Prayer times, based on Islamic traditions, play a significant role in structuring the day. Common terms include:- Suba (early morning prayer)
- Tisbaar (midday prayer).
- Market and Seasonal References
Instead of exact times or dates, many people use context-based references like the season (rains or dry season) or market days to mark events.
Tips for Mastering Time and Date Vocabulary
- Practice Contextual Usage
Use phrases in real-life situations, such as scheduling appointments or asking for the time. - Listen to Native Speakers
Listening to how locals talk about time helps you understand the rhythm and pronunciation of Wolof phrases. - Use Mnemonics for Numbers and Days
Create memory aids to learn numbers, days, and months faster. - Immerse Yourself in Cultural Activities
Participating in events like markets, festivals, or prayer times reinforces your understanding of how time is discussed in Wolof culture.
Conclusion
Mastering Wolof expressions for time and dates enriches your language skills and deepens your understanding of the culture. By practicing key phrases and engaging with native speakers, you can navigate daily life and social interactions with ease. Time in Wolof is more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of a shared rhythm and tradition that connects communities.
Janga Wolof 