Wolof-English/English-Wolof Dictionary & Phrasebook (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: English-Wolof Dictionary, English Dictionary

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Wolof is spoken by more than 5 million people in the Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania. This bilingual dictionary & phrasebook, based on the spoken Wolof of the Gambia, is an essential resource for travelers in the region. The Wolof orthography, unique to this volume, is specially designed to be user-friendly for English speakers.

• More than 3,000 total dictionary entries
• Comprehensive phrasebook
• Easy-to-use pronunciation guide
• Includes cultural information and a brief history of the Gambian people

About the Author

Nymia Kantorek owns and operates the African Heritage Gallery in Dallas, Texas. She is a Gambian native.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books; Bilingual edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781810868
• ISBN-13: 978-0781810869
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #397,839 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Restricted to the Gambian dialect, May 27, 2006

By	K. J. Leipoldt (Bonn, Germany) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The reader should be informed that this dictionary refers to the Gambian dialect of Wolof. As most books on Gambian Wolof, it does not use the standard orthography as specified by the language institute CLAD (Centre de linguistique appliquée de Dakar), which means that it will become a difficult task when trying to cross-reference with other books on Wolof.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wolof-English/English-Wolof Dictionary & Phrasebook, October 2, 2006

By	J. Buchea "Toubab Diablo" (New Britain, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Yes,
It is far different than the Wolof that I now, which I learned in Senegal. It seems the Gambian dialect may have more of a Mandinka and Jolla influence. Many of the phrases are different, the spellings seem a little awkward, and the words themselves have changed shape, i.e. spelling and pronunciation, or if not, often are totally different words altogether. Its sort of like reading Appalachian English. I always found the standard Senegalese orthography perfectly condusive to English pronunciation, moreso than to French even. But with these criticisms, I find it a well put together book, and given the affordability of it, and the lack of available texts on this subject, its definately worth having and referencing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for a beginner in Wolof, June 7, 2009

By	W. Mange - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've studied Wolof with a native speaker from Senegal. This book definitely came in handy, though in large part it is based on the Wolof spoken in Gambia. I recommend this book nonetheless to anyone who wants to learn Wolof. This was a real find at a fair price.