Wolof
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A language of Senegal
12,208,000 in Senegal, all users. L1 users: 5,868,000 in Senegal (2013 census). L2 users: 6,340,000 (2017). Ethnic population: 6,900,000 (2017). Total users in all countries: 12,266,290 (as L1: 5,926,290; as L2: 6,340,000).
Widespread.
3 (Wider communication). Recognized language (2001, Constitution, Article 1). Wolof has become an LWC through commerce and trade and is the lingua france in much of the country. The phenomenon of ‘wolofization’ has meant that people from many ethnic groups have adopted Wolof as their L1; most of the Senegalese population can speak and understand Wolof (2015 J. Leclerc).
SVO; prepositions; no noun classes, but class particles; definite article; passives; tense and aspect; 25 consonant and 16 vowel phonemes; non-tonal.
Youth are shifting to Urban Wolof. All domains. Many also use French [fra], as the language of education and government (Diouf et al 2017). Used as L2 by Badyara [pbp], Bainouk-Gunyaamolo [bcz], Bainouk-Samik [bcb], Balanta-Ganja [bjt], Bambara [bam], Bandial [bqj], Bayot [bda], Casamance Creole [pov], Ejamat [eja], Gusilay [gsl], Hassaniyya [mey], Jalunga [yal], Jola-Fonyi [dyo], Jola-Kasa [csk], Kabuverdianu [kea], Karon [krx], Kerak [hhr], Krio [kri], Kuwaataay [cwt], Laalaa [cae], Mandinka [mnk], Mandjak [mfv], Mankanya [knf], Ménik [tnr], Mlomp [mlo], Ndut [ndv], Noon [snf], Oniyan [bsc], Paloor [fap], Pulaar [fuc], Pular [fuf], Saafi-Saafi [sav], Serer-Sine [srr], Soninke [snk], Wamey [cou], Western Maninkakan [mlq], Xasonga [kao], Zenaga [zen].
Literacy rate in L1: 2%. Taught in primary schools as subject. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1988–2010.
Muslim.