Languages
Words and expressions from the languages spoken around Kolda — how to say them, what they mean, and when to use them.
Pulaar
Millions of speakers across West Africa
The language of the Fulani. In Haute-Casamance it is what you hear first, in the compound and at the market.
2 wordsMandinka
Widely spoken across the Senegambia
The language of the old Kaabu kingdom, and still the language of the griots who remember it.
2 wordsWolof
Senegal’s main spoken language
Not the first language of Kolda, but the language everyone switches to when a stranger arrives.
2 words
All words
Jam tan
[ djam tann ]
Meaning
Peace only — the answer you give when someone asks how you are
In use
No jam? — Jam tan.
“Are you at peace?” — “Only peace.” It is how two people begin every conversation.
On jaaraama
[ onn djaa-raa-ma ]
Meaning
Thank you — literally, may you be rewarded
In use
On jaaraama, sukaaɓe.
Thank you, children. Said to a group, it is also a way of blessing them.
I be ñaading
[ i bé gnaa-ding ]
Meaning
You are eating — said as a greeting at mealtime
In use
I be ñaading?
Asked from the doorway, it is not a question. It is an invitation to sit down.
Abaraka
[ a-ba-ra-ka ]
Meaning
Thank you
In use
Abaraka baake.
Thank you very much.
Teranga
[ té-ran-ga ]
Meaning
Hospitality — but closer to “the duty to receive well”
In use
Senegal, the land of teranga
A guest is not a guest. A guest is a responsibility.
Jàmm rekk
[ djam rèk ]
Meaning
Peace only — the Wolof twin of the Pulaar answer
In use
Na nga def? — Jàmm rekk.
“How are you?” — “Peace only.” Two languages, the same idea of what a good day is.