Wolof

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A language of Senegal

ISO 639-3
wol
Alternate Names
Ouolof, Volof, Walaf, Waro-Waro, Yallof
Population

3,930,000 in Senegal (2006). Population total all countries: 3,976,500.

Location

West and central, Senegal river left bank to Cape Vert. Also in France, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania.

Language Maps
Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (2001, Constitution, Article 1).

Classification
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Wolof
Dialects

Baol, Cayor, Dyolof (Djolof, Jolof), Jander, Lebou (Lebu). Different from Wolof of Gambia [wof].

Language Use

Main African language of Senegal. Predominantly urban. Also use French [fra] or Arabic.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 10%. Literacy rate in L2: 30%. New media. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1988–2010.
Writing
Arabic script, Maghribi and Naskh styles. Latin script, primary usage.
Other Comments

Muslim.

Also spoken in:

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