Language Learning Resources

This is a fluid list of Wolof Learning Resources that will be added onto as I continue to explore available and useful information. French sources are included as it is the official administrative language of Senegal and intermediate comprehension of it is recommended for further accessibility. As there is a mix of French and English resources, there may be crossover between Gambian and Senegalese dialects of Wolof as well, though the latter is to be the focus of this work.

1. Ka, Omar. NANU DÉGG WOLOF. A Multidimensional Approach to the Training and Teaching of Wolof as a Foreign Language. (2009).
   • This short textbook (165 pages) covers essential Wolof language structures and vocabulary. The book has approachable instruction and includes exercises to test for self-comprehension.
2. Peace Corps Senegal. Wolof Language Manual. Revised edition, 2012. 236 pages.
   • The Peace Corps training manual introduces relevant vocabulary for various situations and themes. It provides a thorough overview of Wolof grammar and includes practice exercises. Peace Corps guides may be incorrect so it is important to cross-reference any inconsistencies may you come across them.
3. Diouf, Jean Léopold. J’Apprends Le Wolof = Damay Jàng Wolof. Paris :Karthala, 1991.
   • This textbook is an equivalent resource for English editions as learners with knowledge of French may further connect grammar structures and parts of speech.
4. Nussbaum, Loren V. Dakar Wolof : a Basic Course. Washington, D. C. :Center for Applied Linguistics, 1970.
   • This book can be utilized by a language mentor to conduct oral communication exercises and relevant dialogue practice. Group dialogues can be performed with fellow language learners and are potential practice with local communities in appropriate settings.
5. CLAD. A Short Wolof-English Dictionary. Dakar, Senegal: Presses Universitaires de Dakar, 2014.
   • A reliable and comparatively recent dictionary of Wolof and English languages.
6. Diouf, Jean Léopold. Dictionnaire Wolof-Français Et Français-Wolof. Paris: Karthala, 2003.
   • This dictionary for Wolof-French is useful for learners of Senegalese Wolof as French translations and approximates may give a better understanding of the word.