English is the official language of The Gambia. Most Gambians speak English to some degree. The other major Gambian languages are Mandinka, Wollof and Fula. French is also pervasive due to the strong presence of francophone nationals from Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali.
The farther away we get from the greater Banjul area, the more we find people that speak solely local dialect.
A WOLOF MINI-DICTIONARY
|
Good morning |
Jammu nga fanaan |
|
Good afternoon |
Jammu nga yenndu |
|
Good evening |
Jammu nga yenndu* |
|
How are you? |
Naka nga deff? |
|
I am fine. |
Manngi fi rekk |
|
Thank you |
Jeerejeff |
|
Yes |
Waaw |
|
No |
Deedett |
|
How much does this cost? |
Nyaata la lii jarr? |
|
My name is Laurence |
Manngui tudda Laurence |
|
Where is the taxi car park? |
Fahn lah garassy taxi bi nekka? |
|
How old are you? |
Nyaata att nga amm? |
|
Are you married? |
Sëy ngah? |
|
Good bye |
Beh beneen yoon |
|
It is delicious |
Bäkh na |
|
It is good |
Nëkh na |
In Muslim Africa, people use the
customary Arabic Islamic greeting called ‘Assalaam Aleikum’ (Peace be
with you)
to which is answered ‘Aleikum Salaam’ (Greetings to you too/Peace be upon you
too)
A more comprehensive dictionary with other local languages is in preparation