Senegal

Senegal is home to many different groups of people.  Most belong to one of seven ethnic groups: The Wolof, Serer, Fulani(Peul), Tukulor, Diola, Malinke(Mandingo), and Soninke. Generally, the different ethnic groups are cordial to one another and have lived alongside each other for many centuries. The Wolof language is spoken by most of the population.  The name of the Tukulor group is derived from the ancient kingdom of Tekrur. The Tukulor were among the first converts to Islam south of the Sahara and they take great pride in their religious fervor. The traditional occupation of the Fulani is raising livestock.  The Serer are usually farmers with exceptional farming skills. The name Malinke is a Fulani word meaning "the people of the ancient empire of Mali".

Geetings are important and in many cases can last up to ten minutes as friends find out how each other is doing. Most greetings begin with a handshake. Traditionally men do not shake hands with women. When leaving others, Senegales shake hands or kiss cheeks and extend best wishes to family members. At meetings, it is customary to discuss work, health, family and mutual friends before discussing the reason for the meeting.

It is not polite to make eye contact while eating.  Senegalese avoid eye contact with a person they consider superior in age or status. It is impolite to ask personal questions. Asking questions about children (how many one has or their ages) is considered to bring bad luck.

When visiting Senegal, it's important to be mindful of the local customs and etiquette to show respect for the culture and traditions of the Senegalese people.

Greetings: Greetings are important in Senegalese culture. It's customary to greet people with a handshake and exchange pleasantries. In more informal settings, such as among friends and family, hugs and cheek kisses may also be exchanged.

Respect for Elders: Senegalese society places great emphasis on respect for elders. When interacting with older individuals, it's important to show deference and use polite language and gestures.

Hospitality: Senegalese people are known for their hospitality and generosity. If invited into someone's home, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering and to express gratitude for any food or drink offered to you.

Dress Code: Senegalese people generally dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious settings. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, it's important to dress conservatively, covering your shoulders and knees.

Religious Observance: Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam plays a significant role in daily life. Visitors should be respectful of Islamic customs and practices, such as refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Gift Giving: Giving gifts is a common practice in Senegal, especially when visiting someone's home. Small tokens of appreciation, such as food items, sweets, or souvenirs from your home country, are often appreciated.

Language: The official language of Senegal is French, although many Senegalese people also speak Wolof, the most widely spoken indigenous language. Learning a few basic phrases in Wolof or French can go a long way in making connections with locals and showing respect for their culture.

Time: Senegalese time can be more relaxed compared to Western standards. It's important to be patient and flexible, especially when it comes to scheduling appointments or meetings.

Personal appearance is important. In cities businessmen usually wear European style clothing is worn during the day and change to their boubou during the evening. Younger men wear Western style clothing all day. In the rural areas people wear the traditional boubous (BOO-boo) which are loose fitting cotton tunics with large openings under the arms. Some men might wear a pagne (Pa-nyuh) which is a length of cloth wrapped around the hips and a short sleeved shirt. Wolof women are known for their love of ornamentation.

Rice, corn, millet, sorghum, peanuts, beans, milk and sugar are the staple foods. The main meal is during the middle of the day. The evening meal is served late. Senegalese eat from a communal bowl with the right hand. Tiébiy Dienn (CHEB-oo Jen) a fish stew eaten on rice is the national dish.

The extended family is the norm in most parts of Senegal, and elders are respected. Few rural women work outside the home unless it is to cultivate family gardens. During the dry seasons, many men leave their homes to find work in the cities. In Wolof villages, people group around in compounds surrounding a village center or pencha (PAHN-cha). A family compound is called a ker (kair). A ker consists of a house or houses enclosed by a fence of dried palm fronds or millet or reed stalks. There is typically a house for the man of the household, situated at the compound's entrance, and one for each of his wives. Small children and unmarried girls live with their mothers. Older boys live with their father. Many houses are made of mud. City life is like all big cities.

Except for the Diola, the ethnic groups follow the rigid system of social stratification at birth. There are three main strata; free people, artisans, and slaves. Although slavery has been abolished, members of the slave castes are still despised. Marriage across castes is forbidden, and lying about one's caste is grounds for divorce.

Senegalese take their father's name, but land is passed on by the mother's side of the family. The mother linage is dominated by the tokor (tuh-CORE), the oldest man. The tokor holds all the family money. The tokor is the person who must permit marriage. He also receives the bride price that is traditionally paid to the bride's family.

Many people observe the naming ceremony when the child is seven days old. At this ceremony, the newborn is officially given a name. In rural areas, the day is celebrated by sacrificing a sheep, goat, or chicken. Family members and friends gather to give the child and the mother gifts.

Dating traditions in Senegal are influenced by cultural, religious, and societal norms. While dating practices may vary depending on individual preferences and backgrounds, there are some common customs and expectations that are often observed:

Family Involvement: Family plays a significant role in dating and relationships in Senegal. It's common for individuals to seek the approval of their families before entering into a relationship, particularly in more traditional households.

Group Socializing: Dating often begins with group socializing, where young people may gather with friends in public places such as cafes, parks, or cultural events. This allows individuals to get to know each other in a social setting before pursuing a more formal relationship.

Respect and Modesty: Senegalese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, modesty, and traditional gender roles. Courting couples are expected to behave modestly and show respect for each other, as well as for elders and the broader community.

Religious Considerations: Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic values influence dating practices for many Senegalese individuals. Premarital sex and physical intimacy are generally discouraged, and couples may choose to adhere to traditional courtship practices that prioritize chastity and moral integrity.

Marriage as the Goal: In many cases, dating in Senegal is seen as a precursor to marriage. Couples may enter into courtship with the intention of finding a life partner, and dating relationships are often viewed as a path towards marriage and starting a family.

Arranged Marriages: While arranged marriages are less common in urban areas and among younger generations, they still occur in some parts of Senegal, particularly in rural communities and among certain ethnic groups. In arranged marriages, families play a central role in selecting a suitable partner for their child based on factors such as compatibility, social status, and family connections.

Modern Influences: With globalization and the influence of Western culture, modern dating practices are becoming more prevalent in urban areas of Senegal. Young people may meet through social media, dating apps, or organized events, and dating relationships may be less formal and structured compared to traditional courtship.

Soccer, basketball, track and field and wrestling are popular sports. Visiting is a favorite pastime. Older men enjoy playing checkers.  A traditional sport is wrestling or laamb (lambe) in Wolof language. Wrestling is described as a combination or wrestling and judo. Wrestling is valued for its ceremonial aspects where wrestlers wearing various kinds of amulets on his arms or legs dances around the arena to the music of drummers and singers. This ritual protects the wrestler from the evil spirits used by other wrestlers.