Greetings

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

Greetings


Acknowledging the existence of another human being and taking the time to relate to him or her in a personal way is a priority in Wolof society as well as in other ethnic groups in Senegal, which helps achieve the goal of harmony and peace in the community.
Every member of the community is expected to greet every other member regardless of status or wealth. This is a way to show respect for all members of the community—rich or poor, of noble or slave origin. Each has an important role to fulfill.

A common greeting between any two people may go something like this:
Fatou: Salaamalekum Peace be unto you. (Arabic)
Mamadou: Maalekumsalaam May peace be with you. (Arabic)
Fatou: Jamm nga’m? Do you have peace?
Mamadou: Jamm rekk Peace only.
Fatou: Nanga def? How are you doing?
Mamadou: Maangi fi rekk I am here only (i.e. I’m fine).
Fatou: Ana sa waa ker?

Where are the people of your compound?
Mamadou: Nunga fa They’re there (i.e. They are fine).
Fatou: Sa yaram jamm

Is your body in peace?
Mamadou: Jamm rekk Peace only.
Fatou: Alxamdulilaay Thanks be to God.
Mamadou: Alxamdulilaay Thanks be to God.