Joanna Beske In Senegal

The Wolof

The Wolof people live in Senegal and Gambia in West Africa. In rural areas they cultivate millet, corn and peanuts (a cash crop). Yearly crops depend on a short rainy season from July to October. Compact villages are ruled by a headman and a council of elders. Good verbal skills help urban Wolof to excel in buying and selling. Traditional society was divided into castes of nobles, slaves and artisans. Although fading away because of western influence, evidence of this caste system is still present in modern society. Marriage is often polygamous.

Islam first entered Senegal in the 11^th century, but the Wolof were not converted in large numbers until the 19^th century. Today, virtually 100% are Muslim with most adhering to various sects (Tidiane, Mouride, etc.) which are the Sufi Muslim brotherhoods. Islam is practiced alongside traditional African religion. Many "marabouts" (Muslim holy men) use the symbols of Islam in making charms and casting spells. There are about 30 baptized evangelical Christians.

The Wolof language has two alphabets. The oldest uses Arab characters and is known mainly to older men. However, the government sanctioned alphabet is based on Roman characters and is used in literacy classes throughout the country.

The Wolof New Testament was published in 1986 and some Old Testament portions were printed in 1999. Translators hope to finish the whole Bible by 2013. Many Evangelicals use the Wolof version of the Jesus film which has been aired on the national television station. Also a chronological Bible teaching series in Wolof is currently broadcast on several radio stations around the country.

(see: http://injil.org)

Some evangelical missions have tried church planting among the Wolof, but as yet there is no Wolof church in Senegal.

May 2002