Wolof orthography refers to the standardized system for writing the language, and it plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Wolof in education, media, and cultural expression.
Wolof orthography, rooted in the standardized Latin-based system developed by the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée de Dakar (CLAD), is designed to closely align with the phonetics of the Wolof language. Proper spelling is vital in written Wolof to distinguish meanings and ensure clarity. This article dives into the specifics of spelling in Wolof, including its rules, patterns, and unique features.
Development of Wolof Orthography
The journey to establish a standardized Wolof orthography has been shaped by historical, cultural, and linguistic influences:
- Pre-Colonial Period
- Before colonization, Wolof was primarily oral, though it was sometimes written in Ajami for religious purposes. Ajami adapted the Arabic script to represent Wolof sounds, primarily for Islamic texts and correspondence.
- Before colonization, Wolof was primarily oral, though it was sometimes written in Ajami for religious purposes. Ajami adapted the Arabic script to represent Wolof sounds, primarily for Islamic texts and correspondence.
- Colonial Era
- French colonizers introduced the Latin alphabet, initially for administrative and missionary purposes. Early orthographies often reflected French phonetics, creating inconsistencies with the actual sounds of Wolof.
- French colonizers introduced the Latin alphabet, initially for administrative and missionary purposes. Early orthographies often reflected French phonetics, creating inconsistencies with the actual sounds of Wolof.
- Post-Independence Standardization
- After Senegal’s independence in 1960, efforts to promote local languages led to the development of a standardized Wolof orthography by linguists at CLAD. This orthography aimed to align closely with Wolof phonetics and facilitate literacy in the language.
Spelling Principles in Wolof
- Phonetic Precision
Wolof spelling aims to match spoken sounds as closely as possible. Each letter corresponds to a specific sound, reducing ambiguity. - Letter Doubling
Doubling consonants or vowels is a common feature in Wolof and changes the meaning of words :
- xol (heart) vs. xool (to look).
- xol (heart) vs. xool (to look).
- Clear Vowel Representation
Wolof uses five vowels: a, e, i, o, u, each of which can be short or long. Vowel length is indicated by doubling:
- ba (to leave) vs. baa (ostrich).
- ba (to leave) vs. baa (ostrich).
- Consonant Specificity
Consonants in Wolof orthography have precise phonetic values:
- c represents the “ch” sound in church.
- x represents a guttural sound, similar to the “kh” in Arabic.
- ñ is a nasal sound, like the Spanish “ñ” in niño.
- No Silent Letters
Unlike French or English, Wolof spelling avoids silent letters. Every letter in a word is pronounced.
Common Patterns in Wolof Spelling
- Nasalization
The nasal sound ñ is an essential part of Wolof orthography:- ñaari (two). añ (lunch).
Nasalized vowels, though not marked with diacritics, are distinguished by context and pronunciation. - Word Roots and Modifiers
Wolof spelling retains root words clearly, even when modifiers are added:
- xale (child) becomes xalebi (the child).
- jàng (to learn) becomes jàngi (to study).
- Loanwords
Loanwords, particularly from French and Arabic, are adapted to fit Wolof phonetics:
- French école becomes ekool (school).
- Arabic al’iithnayn becomes altine (Monday).
Challenges in Wolof Spelling
- Dialectal Variations
Wolof has regional dialects that influence pronunciation and spelling. For example:
- Dakar Wolof often includes French loanwords, whereas rural dialects may retain traditional forms.
- Dakar Wolof often includes French loanwords, whereas rural dialects may retain traditional forms.
- Inconsistent Application
Informal writing, especially on social media, often uses phonetic approximations or mixes French orthography, leading to inconsistencies. - Limited Standardization Awareness
Not all Wolof speakers are familiar with the CLAD standard, leading to variations in how words are spelled.
Examples of Correct Spelling in Wolof
| Wolof Word | Meaning | Common Errors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| jàng | To learn | jang | The diacritic à must be included. |
| xam-xam | Knowledge | xamxam | The hyphen is part of the spelling. |
| waañ | Kitchen | wan | The double vowel & nasal aañ is crucial. |
| ndox | Water | dox | Retain the initial n sound. |
| njàng | Class | jang | Wolof maintains the nasalized n. |
Improving Spelling in Wolof
- Learn the Standardized Alphabet
Familiarity with the CLAD orthography ensures accurate spelling, particularly for learners and writers. - Focus on Pronunciation
Accurate spelling in Wolof is deeply connected to proper pronunciation. Listening to native speakers and practicing phonetic distinctions can help. - Use Wolof Dictionaries and Resources
Tools like dictionaries or language learning apps can provide guidance on proper spelling. - Practice Writing in Wolof
Writing short texts, keeping a journal, or composing messages in Wolof can improve spelling consistency.
Standardization vs. Everyday Usage
This article follows the prescriptive spelling rules of the standardized CLAD system for informational purposes. However, it’s important to emphasize that the primary function of language is communication—to understand and be understood. Most linguists advocate for a descriptive approach to language, reflecting how it is used in real-life contexts. In practice, Wolof’s written form is not strictly bound by “proper” spelling, particularly in informal settings. Native Wolof speakers can typically interpret written words based on context, even when they deviate from standardized conventions.
In Senegal, the influence of French often leads to words being spelled according to French orthographic patterns rather than the CLAD system. Interestingly, despite being developed in a Francophone context, the CLAD system aligns more closely with English phonology. Among younger generations, there is a noticeable shift toward “anglophone-style” spelling conventions that mirror the CLAD system, albeit with some adaptations. This trend reflects the evolving nature of written Wolof as it adapts to global and local linguistic influences.
Below is an example of the different ways that the word for ‘thank you’ can be spelled:
- jëre-jëf (Standardized CLAD spelling)
- djeredieuf (Common Francophone spelling)
- jayraijayf (Used by Nyima Kantorek in their dictionary)
Other less common ways of spelling it are: jai-rruh-jef, jere-jeff & je-re-jef, among a variety of other renditions.
Conclusion
The written form of Wolof demonstrates the dynamic relationship between standardized conventions and everyday usage. While the CLAD system provides a phonologically attuned framework for consistency and learning, the flexibility of Wolof spelling in informal contexts reflects its resilience and adaptability as a living language. The influence of French orthography, the rising preference for anglophone-aligned conventions among younger speakers, and the overarching priority of communication over rigid correctness highlight the inclusive and practical nature of Wolof. This balance ensures that Wolof remains accessible, expressive, and relevant to its speakers across generations and contexts.
Janga Wolof 