Travel Tips
Language:
French is the official language in Senegal, but Wolof is spoken by almost 80% of the population. Though most families in Dakar speak Wolof, there will typically be at least one French-speaking member of the family.
Here are some useful Wolof phrases used in greetings:
Q: As salaam aleykum. Peace be with you.
A: Maleykum salaam. And to you, peace.
Q: Nan ge def? How are you?
A: Maangi fi rekk. I’m fine. (lit. "I’m just here.")
This phrase is probably one of the most important phrases to know and you will probably ask and answer it a million times a day. Knowing those two exchanges will get you pretty far. Other common phrases include:
Q: Naka wa ker ga? How is everyone at your house?
A: Nunga fa. They are there.
Q: Nanga tuud da? What is your name?
A: Maangi tuud da ____. My name is _____.
Q: Fanga dukk? Where do you live? or Where do you come from?
A: Maangi dukk ____. I live in ____.
Meal Etiquette:
Senegalese families typically eat together and use their hands or a spoon to scoop up food (usually rice with fish, chicken, or meat, or couscous with sauce). It is typical to share one bowl or platter with everybody sitting on a mat and eating around the bowl. Either the person who prepared the meal or the head of household who is present usually signals the beginning of the meal. Just watch to see when everyone starts.
First take off your shoes (never step on a mat with shoes). There will be one large plate at the center of the mat, and sometimes a bowl of water nearby to wash your hands. Sit around the bowl, resting on your legs with one knee up (for men), or legs slightly to left or right (for women). Don’t put your left hand on the ground while eating. If you are not comfortable, ask for a small bench. Only use your right hand to eat, and never put your left hand in the bowl. You can ask for a spoon or, if you are given a spoon and don’t want to use it, tell your family that you prefer to eat with your hands!
The vegetables and fish or meat (the “good stuff”) is found in the center of the bowl and is for everyone’s consumption. Eat the portion in front of yourself (imagine a wedge-shape for each person), but don't leave a large barrier between your section and that of the person next to you. Often, somebody dishes out the center section, especially when there is a guest present. This is something that will vary from house to house. Always start with a handful or spoonful of rice, and watch to see if you will be served or not. In most houses, people do not talk during the mealtime. It is also taboo to look at other people while they are eating. Just keep your focus on what is in front of you. However, be aware of that the variations between the strict traditional households and the more modern families will play a role here. Another thing to remember is that in the larger households, men and women eat separately and often children will have their own bowl as well.
Get up and leave when you finish eating. Lick your hand clean before you get up and wash your hands. Leave the fish bones on the mat in front of the bowl.
If you are given an individual plate, you shouldn’t eat everything on the plate. If you finish your plate they will offer you more. What you don’t finish is usually given to younger children or ‘talibé’ children who come to the door. Nothing goes to waste!
Prayer and Religion:
In Senegal, more than 90% of people are Muslim. There are several Islamic brotherhoods. The majority of Muslims pray at least five times daily. Don’t be surprised if, for example, a family suddenly all gets up while watching TV and leaves to go pray.
An interesting visit for newcomers to Yoff is the mausoleum of the founder of the Layene Islamic brotherhood, an impressive building on the beach. Have a Senegalese friend take you inside-- walk seven times around the tomb in the cleanest, coolest sand you will find in Yoff! Take off your shoes at the entrance of the enclosed yard. This is the time for conservative dress: long pants for men and floor-length skirt, long sleeves and a head-covering scarf for women. Women are forbidden to enter the building if they are having their period.
You may also notice people wearing Gris-gris, which are like good luck charms, or signs of protection. People of all ages may wear them around their upper arm or around their waist. They are often leather pouches with printed verses from the Quran within.
Personal Belongings and Space:
There is a much more communal attitude towards physical belongings in Senegal than in the U.S. When staying with a Senegalese family, don’t bring out items such as nail polish, shampoo, food, etc. that you aren’t willing to share. Do try to be open about your things; nail-painting or sharing a snack can be a great opportunity for opening a conversation! If you need time alone, it is easy to say you have homework or work to do. People will give you space. Otherwise, it might seem strange to be spending time alone, since Senegalese culture is extremely social and people rarely do things alone.
Health Tips
We run a very safe, healthy, and conscientious program, with skilled, responsible resource and medical people in all of the communities that we visit. At the same time, travel involves risks as well as rewards. It is likely that individuals will experience illness at some point in any long-term stay in a developing country. The combination of travel, a new bacterial environment, unfamiliar foods and living conditions, as well as the overall pace and intensity of the program, can overwhelm the senses and the immune system of healthy individuals.
To Stay Healthy, Do:
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... wash hands often with soap and water.
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... drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an “absolute 1-micron or less” filter and adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. “Absolute 1-micron filters” are found in outdoor supply stores.
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... eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
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... take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your doctor for a prescription.)
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... protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
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... keep feet clean and dry, to prevent fungal and parasitic infections. Do not go barefoot except indoors in rooms where shoes are prohibited and along the waterline of the ocean.
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... avoid sexual intercourse, due to the risk of HIV/AIDS. If you do not follow this advice, always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
To Stay Healthy, Don't:
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... eat food purchased from street vendors.
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... drink beverages with ice.
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... eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
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... share needles with anyone.
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... handle animals-- especially monkeys, dogs, and cats-- to avoid bites and serious diseases including rabies and plague.
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... swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer.
For more information, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/wafrica.htm.
Senegal Travel Sites
Senegal Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet
The Africa Guide - Senegal
US Department of State - Senegal Travel Information
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Senegal travel advice