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This free interactive language course is designed to help you learn the basics of Saafi-Saafi. It is not a comprehensive self-study online course, but merely designed to help you learn the basics of this language. Lookout for our comprehensive self-study material: Learn to speak Saafi – which comes with a textbook and CD to help with pronunciation. The book covers various situations from going to the market to asking and giving directions on the street.
The use of the Latin alphabet to write this language is a recent phenomenon. There is therefore some discourse among certain Saafi linguists about adding to or modifying the Saafi-Saafi alphabet (see Lesson 1 : Saafi-Saafi alphabet).
Each Saafi word or phrase highlighted in green is accompanied by an audio file to help with pronunciation. Click on the word or phrase highlighted in green to listen to the correct pronunciation. The audio will open in a new window which you can close after you have mastered the pronunciation of each word or phrase. There will be a test at the end of each lesson. See the lesson plan below for details.
Good luck!
Lesson plan
In this lesson, you will learn :
1. the Saafi-Saafi alphabet and how to pronounce certain Saafi-Saafi characters not found in English or French;
2. commonly used verbs and their conjugations;
3. how to ask questions using the 5 Ws and 1 H (who; what; when; where; why and how);
4. basic Saafi-Saafi personal pronouns;
5. basic Saafi-Saafi possessive pronouns;
6. how to greet people;
7. how to tell the time, name the seasons and describe the weather;
8. the days of the week and months of the year;
9. the names of natural elements and the night sky;
10. how to form sentences when asked for places or directions;
11. the names of human body parts and how to form sentences using parts of the human body;
12. the names of family members
13. about words relating to life and the human senses;
14. about words relating to death and the afterlife;
15. a short dialogue between two people; and
16. how to count in Saafi, and will be familiar with Saafi ordinal numbers.
Test you knowledge and examples
Good luck! Your time starts now.
7 facts about the Saafi-Saafi language |
1. Saafi-Saafi language also called Seereer Saafeen or Saafen is spoken by the Saafi people. 2. This language is mainly spoken in Senegal. Although there are small Saafi communities in the Gambia and possibly in Mauritania, this language is not widely spoken in these two countries.
3. Saafi-Saafi is the principal Cangin language and one of the recognised local languages of Senegal (source: "DECRET n° 2005-989 du 21 octobre 2005" [in] Journal Officiel de la Republic du Sénégal, published: J.O. N° 6280 du SAMEDI 27 MAI 2006. 4. Saafi-Saafi has several dialects. 5. Saafi-Saafi is not a dialect of Seereer-Siin. Saafi-Saafi is closer to Sili-Sili, Noon and Laalaa. 6. This language is written using the Latin alphabet. It is part of the Niger-Congo family and one of the Senegambian languages. 7. As of 2012, the total number of speakers are estimated to be 200,000 and rising (source: Ethnologue). |
Learn to speak Saafi
Book with CD
This book comes with a CD to help with pronunciation, and you can learn in your own time and space. There will be a possibility to either buy the book with the CD or download them in PDF and MP3 from our online store.
This learning material will be more comprehensive, and covers situations like going shopping, going to the restaurant, engaging with locals on the streets and much more. You will also be given exercises to reinforce learning.
Keep checking our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for new updates.
1. The Saafi-Saafi alphabet = xxxxxxx
In accordance with "DECRET n° 2005-989 du 21 octobre 2005" [in] Journal Officiel de la Republic du Sénégal, published: J.O. N° 6280 du SAMEDI 27 MAI 2006, there are 28 letters in the Saafi-Saafi alphabet. 23 of these are consonants, the remaining 5 are vowels. The use of the Latin alphabet to write this language is relatively recent. There is therefore some discourse among certain Saafi linguists concerning the addition or modification of some of these characters. The alphabet below is in accordance with "DECRET n° 2005-989 du 21 octobre 2005", but as you progress towards the lessons, you will find new characters with their audio pronunciation.
Some of the following Saafi characters are not found in English or French. We have devised a pronunciation guide accompanied by an audio to help with pronunciation. The pronunciation guide is for guidance only. Click on the relevant character to listen to the correct pronunciation. It is very important that you learn the alphabet so that you can pronounce words better. After all, you want to understand what people are saying and you want others to understand you, so don't skip this section. Master the alphabet before moving on to other sections. You can always come back to this page to continue where you left off.
Upper case | Lower case | Pronunciation guide | Consonant = C Vowel = V | Click on the letter to listen to the pronunciation |
A
|
a
|
.
|
V
|
|
B
|
b
|
.
|
C
|
.
|
Ɓ
|
ɓ
|
This voiced bilabial implosive is not the typical B found in English or French, but a "B with a hook" (or "an open B"). Think of this character as between B and P - in other words the sound of bp. The b is not audible when spoken and is always preceded by an m as in the mb sound in the Seereer mask mbot pronounced mbort (the bort in mbort is pronounced the same way as bort in the English word abort). Now try saying the word mbo but as you are half way towards voicing the b in mbo, you replace the b with a p to give mbpo. It is that sound beween between b and p you are aiming for. |
C
|
ɓ |
C
|
c
|
.
|
C
|
.
|
D
|
d
|
.
|
C
|
.
|
Ɗ
|
ɗ
|
Think of this character as between D and T. It represents and implosive d. Imagine the sound of da as in the English word darling. Now add the letter t to have dta. Try pronouncing that with the tip of your tongue.
|
C
|
ɗ |
E
|
e
|
. |
V
|
. |
F
|
f
|
.
|
C
|
|
G
|
g
|
|
C
|
.
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H
|
h
|
|
C
|
|
I
|
i
|
|
V
|
|
J
|
j
|
|
C
|
|
K
|
k
|
|
C
|
|
L
|
l
|
|
C
|
|
M
|
m
|
.
|
C
|
. |
N
|
n
|
|
C
|
|
Ñ
|
ñ
|
Think of this character as between N and Y. For example the ny sound found in the Senegambian surname Nyang (Gambian English spelling) or Niang (Senegalese French spelling). Alternatively, the ny sound found in the English word canyon. |
C
|
ñ |
Ŋ
|
ŋ
|
Think of this character as between N and G. For example the ng sound found in the English word song or the Seereer female name Ngoneh (English spelling in Gambia) or Ngoné (French spelling in Senegal and Mauritania). |
C
|
ŋ |
O
|
o
|
|
V
|
|
P
|
p
|
|
C
|
|
R
|
r
|
|
C
|
|
S
|
s
|
.
|
C
|
|
T
|
t
|
|
C
|
|
U
|
u
|
|
V
|
|
W
|
w
|
.
|
C
|
|
Y
|
y
|
This is a typical Y found in English.
|
C
|
. |
Ƴ
|
ƴ
|
This is a "Y with a hook" ( ƴ ) and is not found in English or French.
|
C
|
ƴ |
ʔ |
’
|
The upper case character looks like a question mark (?) but it is not your regular question mark if you look at it closely. The lower case character is not a coma ( , ) but an apostrophe ( ' ). This character should be regarded as a glottal stop, a sound you can achive by obstructing airflow in the glottis. |
C
|
’ |
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are for you to test your understanding of the Saafi alphabet. There is no time limit but try and answer each question by clicking the right answer. If you answer a question correctly, a new window will open telling you that you have answered the question correctly. If you click on the wrong answer, a new window will open telling you that is the wrong answer and you need to try again. Before you begin, grab a pen and paper so that you can tally up how many questions you have answered correctly on your first attempt on each question. At the end of the whole course, add up your correct answers and mark yourself out of 80. You can always repeat or resume the test in your own time. Read each question carefully before answering them. There is always one answer.
2.
Verbs and conjugations
2. Verbs and conjugations
To have = Raak
To be
To eat = Ñyam
| |
Present I have you have he has she has It has we have you have they have |
.
|
|
|
Present continuous I am having you are having he is having she is having it is having we are having you are having they are having |
|
|
|
Simple past
I had you had he had she had it had we had you had |
.
|
Click to edit table header | |
Present
I am you are he is she is it is we are you are they are |
|
|
|
Present continuous I am being you are being he is being she is being it is being we are being you are being they are being |
|
|
|
Simple past I was you were he was she was we were you were they were |
|
| |
Present I eat you eat he eats she eats it eats we eat you eat they eat |
|
|
.
|
Present continuous
I am eating you are eating he is eating she is eating it is eating we are eating you are eating they are eating |
.
|
.
|
|
Simple past
I ate you ate he ate she ate it ate we ate you ate they ate |
.
|
Examples
- I have hair. = Raakid fin
- I had some chere* with fish. = Xxxxxxx
- He is having his dinner. = Xxxxxxx
- We were having a telephone conversation. = Xxxxxxx
*Chere or chereh is Seereer dish similar to couscous but more versatile than couscous. It can be a savory dish served with with fish, chicken, meat and/or vegetables or it can be eaten like a breakfast cereal with milk and sugar.
Examples
- Hello. I am Demba. And you are? = Xxxxxxx
- I am going to the party with my friends. = Xxxxxxx
- He is going to the dentist tomorrow. He has a tooth ache = Xxxxxxx She was so kind to me on my last visit. = Xxxxxxx
Examples
- He ate all the rice by himself. = Xxxxxxx
- We are eating please come and join us. = Xxxxxxx
- I am eating chere. Would you like some? = Xxxxxxx
- I eat when I’m hungry. = Xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are designed to test your understanding of verb conjugations in Saafi. You will be told the correct English translation and are then expected to click on the correct Saafi sentence which corresponds to the English translation. Read each sentence carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
3. Questions: The 5 Ws and
1 H
| |
What = xxxxxxx When = xxxxxxx |
Where = xxxxxxx Why = xxxxxxx How = xxxxxxx |
Examples
Who
Who are you? = Xxxxxxx
Who did it? = Xxxxxxx
Who is it? = Xxxxxxx
What
What is it? = Xxxxxxx
What do you want? = Xxxxxxx
What are you doing? = Xxxxxxx
Good afternoon madam. Could you please tell me what time is the next bus to Bandia? = xxxxxxx
What would you like to drink? = xxxxxxx
When
When are you leaving? = Xxxxxxx
When will you be back? = Xxxxxxx
When is Jegaan coming back? He is a good boy. = Xxxxxxx
Good morning sir. When is the next ferry to Banjul? = Xxxxxxx
When is the next Xoy ceremony? = Xxxxxxx
Examples
Where
Where is Youssou N’Dour playing? = Xxxxxxx
Hello, excuse me. Could you please tell me where the Tourist Office is? = Xxxxxxx
Hello, excuse me. Where can I get a taxi to Jooɓaas? = Xxxxxxx
Where can I catch a train to Dakar? = Xxxxxxx
Why
Why didn’t you come? = Xxxxxxx
Why aren’t you eating? = Xxxxxxx
Why aren’t you drinking? = Xxxxxxx
Why didn’t you call me? = Xxxxxxx
How
How do I get from Jooɓaas to Jaxaaw? = Xxxxxxx
How do I get from Siin to Saluum? = Xxxxxxx
How is that possible? = Xxxxxxx
How are you going to get there? = Xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are designed to test your ability to ask questions using proper Saafi grammar. You will be told the correct English translation and are then expected to click on the correct Saafi question which corresponds to the English translation. You have already learned these words in the previous lessons. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
4. Personal pronouns = Woyoha boobi
Subject | Click and listening to pronunciation |
I
|
Mi
|
You (sing.)
|
Ɓa
|
He or She
|
Ay or A
|
It
|
Wa
|
We
|
Ɓo |
You (pl.)
|
du |
They
|
Ɓed |
Object | Click and listening to pronunciation |
Me
|
do |
You
|
da |
Him or her
|
de or a |
It
|
xxxxxxx |
Us
|
dif
|
You
|
du
|
Them
|
Ɓa |
Personal pronoun examples
Subject:
Mi = I
I am going. = Mi cor te da
I am coming. = Mi haye da
I am going Gambia. = xxxxxxx
I am going to England. = xxxxxxx
I am going to France. = xxxxxxx
I am coming to Senegal. = xxxxxxx
Fu = You
What’s your name? = Fu teeku ne
Where are you going? Fu kiinde
Where have you been? = xxxxxxx
Are you going to school? = xxxxxxx
What are you studying? = xxxxxxx
Ay or A = He or She
He said he has gone. = A wo so ne achoti
Wa = It
It is destroyed. = Wa yakin
It is big. = Wa yakid
It is good. = Wa mbahid
It is important. = Wa raakiɗ solo
It is delicious. = Wa nebit
It is hot. = Wa doh doh
It is cold = Wa soss soss
Ɓo = We
Let’s eat the rice = Ɓo nyamat mande
Let’s take a taxi = Ɓo mbayat taxi
Let’s do rituals in the Saafi way of worshiping God = Ɓo sahsukat wass Kooh Saafi
Ɓed = They
They are stupid = Ɓed nan nan
They are black = Ɓed suusuus
They are white = Ɓed yaano
They are yellow = Ɓed mboha
Object
Do = Me
Give me = On do
Give me some money = xxxxxxx
Give me some food = xxxxxxx
Give me some water = xxxxxxx
Give me a place to stay = xxxxxxx
Da = You
I have seen you = Hotee da
I have seen you at the library. = xxxxxxx
“De” or “A” =Him or Her
I know him = Mi inhid de
I know it = Mi inhid da
I know her = xxxxxxx
I know your mother. = xxxxxxx
I know them. = xxxxxxx
Dif = Us
He took us to Siin = A ɓayid dif Siin
He took us to Jolof = A ɓayid dif Jolof
She took us to Siin = xxxxxxx
They took us to Saluum = xxxxxxx
Du = You
They gave you some money = Du onu xaalis
Ɓa = Them
They were seen at the beach = Ɓa hootu sero chok ma
I saw them at the beach = xxxxxxx
Demba saw them at the beach = xxxxxxx
Kumba saw them at the party = xxxxxxx
Demba saw them in London = xxxxxxx
I have seen them in Siin = xxxxxxx
I spoke to them at the party = xxxxxxx
I spoke to them yesterday = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are designed to test your understanding and usage of Saafi personal pronouns. You will be told the correct Saafi translation and are then expected to click on the correct English sentence which corresponds to the Saafi translation. Although all these English phrases are grammatically correct, only one of them corresponds to the Saafi translation. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
5. Possessive pronouns = Woyoha raak raak*
Possessive pronouns | Click and listening to pronunciation |
Mine
|
Wingo
|
Yours
|
Wing da
|
His or Hers
|
Wing de
|
Ours
|
Wing dif
|
Yours
|
Wing du
|
Theirs
|
Wing ɓa
|
Possessive adjectives | Click and listening to pronunciation |
My
|
Ŋo
|
Your
|
da |
His or Her
|
de |
Our
|
dif; daf or dafi |
Your
|
du
|
Their
|
Ɓa (or Ɓooba)
|
*Raak is verb meaning to have. Raak raak means possession.
*Wo or woy means speak or words. The word oha in woyoha is a suffix which expresses the means. For example the word for pen is fees. Since we use pen to write, the word for write therefore becomes feesoha. The word ann means drink. The word for cup therefore becomes annoha. Another example is the English word door. In Saafi proper, the word for door is ndenderi, however the Saafi words aas (enter) or pul (go out; exit) can also mean door if we add the suffix oha. For example: aasoha or puloha. In this example the suffix oha expresses the means of entering or going out (a door).
Possessive pronoun examples
Wingo = Mine
It is mine = xxxxxxx
The car is mine = xxxxxxx
The money is mine = xxxxxxx
It is not mine = xxxxxxx
The car is not mine = xxxxxxx
The money is not mine = xxxxxxx
Wing da = Yours
It is yours = xxxxxxx
The car is yours = xxxxxxx
The money is yours = xxxxxxx
It is not yours = xxxxxxx
The car is not yours = xxxxxxx
The money is not yours = xxxxxxx
Wing de = His or Hers
It is his = xxxxxxx
It is hers = xxxxxxx
The car is his = xxxxxxx
The car is hers = xxxxxxx
The money is his = xxxxxxx
It is not hers = xxxxxxx
The car is not hers = xxxxxxx
The money is not his = xxxxxxx
Wing dif = Ours
It is ours = xxxxxxx
The car is ours = xxxxxxx
The money is ours = xxxxxxx
It is not ours = xxxxxxx
The car is not ours = xxxxxxx
The money is not ours = xxxxxxx
Wing ɓa = Theirs
It is theirs = xxxxxxx
The car is theirs = xxxxxxx
The money is theirs = xxxxxxx
It is not theirs = xxxxxxx
The car is not theirs = xxxxxxx
The money is not their money = xxxxxxxPossessive adjectives examples
In Saafi possessive adjectives, the noun is placed before the possessive. For example:
ŋo (my) ; da (your) ; de (his) ; dif, daf or dafi (our) ; du (your); ɓa (their) = possessive
kaha (house) = noun
My house = Kahanin ŋo
Your house = Kahanin da
His house = Kahanin de
Our house = Kahanin dafi
Your house = Kahanin du
Their house = Kahanin ɓa
Let’s go to my house and watch the football match. = xxxxxxx
Ŋo = My
My head = Hafin ŋo
My hand is hurting = xxxxxxx
I forgot my wallet at home = xxxxxxx
I lost my wallet = xxxxxxx
I am cleaning my house = xxxxxxx
I am washing my clothes = xxxxxxx
I am looking after my son = xxxxxxx
I am looking after my daughter = xxxxxxx
I am looking after my children = xxxxxxx
Da = Your
Your hand = Ya hind da
Your car is beautiful. = xxxxxxx
Your shoes are beautiful. = xxxxxxx
Your hair is beautiful. = xxxxxxx
Your shirt is looks nice. = xxxxxxx
Your dress is beautiful = xxxxxxx
Your house is on fire. = xxxxxxx
Your bathroom is flooding. = xxxxxxx
De = His or Her
His or her finger = Tuuk nin de
Her hand is bleeding. = xxxxxxx
His hand is bleeding. = xxxxxxx
Dif, Daf or Dafi = Our
Our bangle = Ki nyi ching daf
Our house = xxxxxxx
I am going to our ancestral home. = xxxxxxx
I am going to Siin with our children. = xxxxxxx
I took the children to Saluum to visit our grandmother. = xxxxxxx
I am going to our hotel. = xxxxxxx
Our taxi has arrived. = xxxxxxx
Our God is Kooh Seen. = xxxxxxx
Our God is Rooh Seen. = xxxxxxx
Du = Your
Your country = Kuur du
Your house = Ka hand du
Ɓa (or Ɓooba) = Their
Their way = Wassiig ɓa
Their God = Koohing ɓa
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are designed to test your understanding and usage of Saafi possessive pronouns. You will be asked to identify the correct pair of Saafi and English possessive pronouns and adjectives. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
6. Greetings = xxxxxxx
. | . |
Good morning |
Mod baabi |
Good afternoon |
Mod woti |
Good evening |
Mod niini |
How are you (to a man or group of men)? |
Fu tumne ƴaari |
How are you (to a woman or group of women)? |
xxxxxxx |
How are you (to someone or group of people regardless of gender / sex)?
|
Fu tumne |
I am fine. And you, are you well? |
Mingarek ɓa fu raakiɗ jamm |
Yes I am well. I thank God and our ancestors. |
Ee, mi corkid Kooh Seen na hatayci |
How is the family? |
xxxxxxx |
They are all well thank you. |
xxxxxxx |
In Senegalese and Gambian culture, people spend a long time greeting each other and asking about the family, work etc.
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
In following questions, you will be asked to fill in the missing word or character, and to spot the wrong spelling by clicking on the correct option. Each sentence will be written in Saafi-Saafi and you will need to fill in the blank or spot the wrong spelling. Each question relates to Saafi greetings – which you have just learned. Read each sentence carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
7. Time of the day, season and weather = xxxxxxx
. | . |
It is daytime
|
Kooh wiisid
|
It is night (night-time)
|
Kooh hoobid
|
What time is it?
|
xxxxxxx
|
It is 8 o clock (08:00)
|
xxxxxxx
|
The time is 1 o clock (13:00).
|
xxxxxxx
|
The time is half past seven (19:30)
|
xxxxxxx
|
.
|
.
|
It is dry season
|
Kooh seekid
|
It is rainy season
|
xxxxxx
|
It rained
|
Kooh' tobid
|
It is rainy (rainy sky)
|
Kooh ngaabid
|
.
|
.
|
What is the weather like?
|
xxxxxxx
|
It is sunny
|
Kooh nohid
|
It is windy
|
Kooh pudsid
|
Hot (weather)
|
Doh
|
Cold (weather)
|
Soss
|
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following questions tests your understanding of what you have just learned about time, season and the weather in Saafi. You will be given a list of phrases in Saafi and asked to identify the odd one out. Read each sentence carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
8. Days of the week and months of the year
8. Days of the week and months of the year
The following two tables show the 7 days of the week and 12 months of the year in Saafi. Some of these days are adopted from Arabic and are not authentic or native Cangin or Seereer words. Those borrowed from Arabic are marked with an asterisk (*). The rest are native to the Seereer ethnic group. For more about the historical Seereer religious and agricultural calendar, visit that article.
English : Days of the week | Saafi-Saafi : xxxxxxx |
Sunday
|
Dibor
|
Monday
|
Toj / Teniŋ
|
Tuesday
|
Latir
|
Wednesday
|
*Daba
|
Thursday
|
*Hemes
|
Friday
|
*Juma
|
Saturday
|
Gaaw
|
Credit:
The seven days of the week and twelve months of the year were provided courtesy of Dimlé Sène.
English : Months of the year | Saafi-Saafi : xxxxxxx |
January
|
Ndomboroŋ
|
February
|
Ndoom
|
March
|
Siga
|
April
|
Jembaan
|
May
|
Ɗool
|
June
|
Gam
|
July
|
Mooɗ
|
August
|
Mooɗol
|
September
|
Jumburkuhun
|
October
|
Jalmasan
|
November
|
Jumburuŋ
|
December
|
Ɓeew
|
Follow this conversation between two friends talking about the day of the week, month and year, and making plans to attend a wrestling match. | xxxxxxx |
What is today's date?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Today is the 7th of July 2014.
|
xxxxxxx
|
What was yesterday's date?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Yesterday was the 6th of July 2014.
|
xxxxxxx
|
What date is it tomorrow?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Tomorrow is the 8th of July 2014.
|
xxxxxxx
|
|
|
What day is it today?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Today is Thursday.
|
xxxxxxx
|
What day is it tomorrow?
|
xxxxxxx
|
What day was it yesterday?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Yesterday was Wednesday.
|
xxxxxxx
|
Can we go and watch the wrestling match next week Thursday?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Sorry, but no. I practice the Seereer religion (a ƭat Roog) and it is forbidden in Seereer religion and culture to engage in cultural activites like the njom (wrestling) on Thursdays.
|
xxxxxxx
|
What do you do on Thursdays?
|
|
I make offerings to the *Pangool on Thursdays. This April just gone, I attended the Raan Festival at Tukaar. It was on a Thursday.
|
xxxxxxx
|
Can we do it next Monday then?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Sorry, but no. Monday coincides with the day of rest in Seereer religious law.
|
xxxxxxx
|
How about next Saturday?
|
xxxxxxx
|
Next Saturday is fine.
|
xxxxxxx
|
Great! Next Saturday then.
|
xxxxxxx
|
*The Pangool are ancestral spirits or saints. See Seereer religion.
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The following multiple choice questions are designed to test your knowledge on the days of the week and months of year in Saafi, as well as your ability to state full dates for example: "Today is the first of January 2015." You will be asked to identify the correct pair of Saafi and English dates. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
9. Nature and the heavens = Kooh na eel ci
Nature | *Kooha |
Soil
|
Merhey
|
The earth (or the soil)
|
Kehji
|
Water
|
Masub
|
Fire
|
Yonkah
|
Smoke
|
Ɗuuku
|
Field
|
Yohon
|
Farm (enclosed farm)
|
Tam*
|
.
|
.
|
Shadow
|
Sangu
|
*Kooh or Koox Seen is the supreme deity worshiped by the Saafi. Anything relating to nature, time and space is usually referred to as kooh in Saafi-Saafi.
*Tam can also mean: follow; take way; pass by; or wisdom - that is someone gifted in the paranormal world.
The heavens | Eel ci |
.
|
.
|
Sky (the sky)
|
Ellci
|
.
|
.
|
Stars (the stars)
|
Xoor ci*
|
.
|
.
|
The Sirius star (called Yoonir in Seereer-Siin)
|
Seesse
|
.
|
.
|
Moon
|
Cabbin
|
Sun (the sun)
|
Noohi
|
*The word ci is the plural of a noun and is usually added at the end of the word. For example: eel ci (the heavens) or xoor ci (stars).
Examples relating to nature and the heavens
The soil is very good for planting fruits and vegetables. = xxxxxxx
I am going to my farm to harvest my crops. = xxxxxxx
The Point of Sangomar derives its name from the Seereer word “sangomar” which means “the village of shadows.” = xxxxxxx
The sky is blue. = xxxxxxx
Can you see the star Yoonir in the night sky? = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
The previous lesson introduced you to some new vocabulary relating to nature and the heavens. In the following questions, you will be given an English word or phrase and asked to click on the corresponding Saafi word or phrase. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
10. Places and directions = Ɗissik na wass*
. |
Above or On |
. |
Ɗafki |
Ɗafka
|
Ɗafuk
|
. |
|
. |
Kehji
|
Kehja
|
Kehej
|
Ɗafki; ɗafka; ɗafuk
Examples
- Jeegan is above the house = Jeegan aye ɗafuk kaha ne
- Jeegan is above the hut = Jeegan aye ɗafuk njupe
- Demba lives in the apartment above = xxxxxxx
- My mother lives in the apartment above = xxxxxxx
- The bag is on the bed = xxxxxxx
- I put the keys on the table = xxxxxxx
Kehji; kehja; kehja
NB: These 3 words are related to the soil. They all mean down. Take kehji for example which also means the earth or the soil. If you use it as a preposition for places or direction it means down.
Examples
- I went down to the police station to give to give a statement. = xxxxxxx
- That is not safe. Come down the stairs at once. = xxxxxxx
- Tell Demba to come downstairs and eat. = xxxxxxx
- I cannot come down there today, I am very busy. = xxxxxxx
. |
|
. |
Ooɓ
|
.
|
Ooɓar
|
Ooɓ; ooɓar
Examples
- My shoes are under the desk = ñyafa ci cide ooɓ mbangi.
- I will wait for you under the bridge = xxxxxxx
- Children under twelve years of age must be accompanied by an adult. = xxxxxxx
*Wass means directions, it can also mean the way. We can also use yourkhoha or yourhid koho both of which means directions. The verb is yourah which means take direction.
. | . |
Right
|
Yaah ñahoom*
|
Left
|
Yaah sing*
|
Between
|
Xarmban
|
After or front
|
Fiki
|
Before, behind or back
|
Finho
|
Straight
|
.
|
Ahead
|
.
|
Turn
|
.
|
*Yaah ñahoom and yaah sing are both compound nouns. In Saafi, ñahoom means right, but the word yaah (hand) is added (in relation to the right hand). The same is true for yaah sing (left). Sing means left but the word yaah is added in relation to the left hand.
Yaah ñahoom; yaah sing; straight; turn
Examples
1. The drugstore is on your left = Turno hakidic kidga wedeem yaah singin nga
2. My house is on your left = Khahan ndo wedeem yaah singin nga
3. The door is on your right = Ndenderi wedeem yaah ñahoom
4. The Seereer Market is on Saafi Road. Go straight then turn right into Ndut Street. Keep walking until you reach Saafi Road on your left. Turn left into Saafi Road and you will see the Seereer Market. = xxxxxxxx
Xarmban
Examples
1. My village is between Dakar and Mbour = Kuur bo wa ndic na xarmban Dakar na Mbour.
2. The hospital is located between the police station and the super market = xxxxxxxx
3. The pharmacy opens Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm = xxxxxxxx
4. The post office closes between 1pm and 2pm.
Fiki
Examples
1. Look in front of you = Marka fiki fu.
2. The bank is after the post office = xxxxxxx
3. My house is after the petrol station = xxxxxxx
5. The toilet is the white door in front of you = xxxxxxx
5. I will wait for you outside the train station in front of Senegambia Café = xxxxxxx
6. The Seereer Resource Centre is on Seeh Avenue. Go straight then turn right into Waro Street and drive straight ahead. After the second junction turn left into Laalaa Street. Keep going until you reach the end of Laalaa Street. The Seereer Resource Centre is the big green and white building in front of you. = xxxxxxx.
Finho
Examples
1. Look behind you = Ngala finho fu.
2. The stadium is behind the bank = Scana football asay wedeem finho banka ne.
3. My house is behind my farm = Kahando minic finho yohondo.
4. The Seereer Association is in number 7 Noon Street, just behind Jegem Primary School. You have to go back and turn left into Ñoominka Road. Keep going until you reach Jegem Primary School. Noon Street is the first street on your left just after the School. = xxxxxxx
5. The internet café is on Saafi Road, just before the bank. = xxxxxxx
6. The bureau de change is on Seeh Avenue, just after the Seereer Resource Centre but before the Seereer Library. Xxxxxxx
Dialogue = xxxxxxx
Let’s introduce you to Michael and Demba. Michael is a tourist who has just landed in Saafi country and is trying to find his way to his hotel. He saw Demba walking down the street and stopped him for directions. Let’s follow the dialogue.
Speaker | Dialogue in English | Dialogue in Saafi |
Michael
|
Hello, excuse me. |
|
Demba
|
Yes! |
|
Michael
|
I am sorry to bother you. |
|
|
I am lost and I need help. |
|
|
I hope you don’t mind. |
|
Demba
|
Not at all. |
|
|
How can I help you? |
|
Michael
|
I am trying to find Hotel Saafi. |
|
|
Do you know where it is? |
|
Demba
|
I certainly do. |
|
|
Hotel Saafi is in number 1 Saafi Road. |
|
|
Go straight then take the first right into Ndut Street. |
|
|
Keep going straight. |
|
|
The second road on your left is Saafi Road. |
|
|
Turn left into Saafi Road and you will see Hotel Saafi. |
|
|
It is a big white building, |
|
|
you can’t miss it. |
|
Michael
|
Thank you so much. |
|
|
You
have been most helpful.
|
|
Demba
|
You are welcome. |
|
Michael
|
Thank you |
|
|
Good bye.
|
|
Demba
|
Good bye.
|
|
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
You have just learned words and phrases relating to places and directions. In the following questions, you will be given an English statement and asked to select the correct Saafi translation. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
11. Human being / person = Ɓo
Parts of the human body = xxxxxxx
Nose Head Tooth Neck Hair Abdomen
= = = = = =
Kiñin Haf Ciss Mbook Fin Rook
Eye = Xaas
Ear = Nof
Mouth = Ngub
Shoulder = xxxxxxx
Chin = Yiim
Finger = Ndukun (or Tukun)
Arm = Yaah
Knee = xxxxxxx
Toe = xxxxxxx
Thigh = Ram
Hand Leg Tongue Foot
= = = =
xxxxxxx Kot Peɗeem xxxxxxxExample of verbs relating to parts of the human body = xxxxxxx
Example 1. Eye = Xass
To see = hot
To look = Marak
I saw Demba at the restaurant = = xxxxxxx
I saw him at the restaurant = xxxxxxx
I saw her at the hotel = xxxxxxx
I saw them take a taxi = xxxxxxx
I am watching TV = = xxxxxxx
Example 2. Ear = Nof
To listen = sek ɗuuk
To hear = nkarah
I am listening to the news on radio = xxxxxxx
I can hear his car coming = xxxxxxx
I can’t hear you very well = xxxxxxx
I can hear you very well = xxxxxxx
Can you hear me? = xxxxxxx
Example 3. Nose = Kiñin
To breath = iik
To feel the smell = Eeñduk
I can’t breathe = xxxxxxx
She can’t breathe = xxxxxxx
Example 4. Mouth = Ngub
To speak = wa
To eat = ñyam
To drink = ann
I am eating chere = xxxxxxx
I would like something to drinking = xxxxxxx
I am drinking baobab juice = xxxxxxx
I am speaking on the phone = xxxxxxx
Example 5. Toot = ciss
To chew = oong
To chew = oong
To brush your teeth = sechu
Chew your food properly = xxxxxxx
She is chewing gum = xxxxxxx
Go and brush your teeth = xxxxxxx
I am brushing my teeth = xxxxxxx
Example 6. Tongue (as the tongue in your mouth); language (as in Saafi-Saafi) = Peɖeem
Saafi language (Saafi-Saafi) = Peɖeem Saafi
Seeh (or Seh) language or Seereer Siin = Peɖeem Seh
Mauritanian language (Arabic) = Peɖeem Naar Ganaar
European language(s) = Peɖeem Toubab
I am learning to speak the Saafi language = xxxxxxx
To taste = xxxxxxx
To suck on a lemon = xxxxxxx
To taste the chere (Seereer couscous) = xxxxxxx
Example 7. Arm (as in human arm) = Yaah
To fold your arms = xxxxxxx
Demba folded his arms whilst talking to his teacher = xxxxxxx
Demba folded his arms whilst talking to Kumba = xxxxxxx
I broke my arm whilst playing football = xxxxxxx
Demba broke his arm whilst playing football = xxxxxxx
He grabbed her by the arm = xxxxxxx
He grabbed me by the arm = xxxxxxx
Example 8. Abdomen = Rook
I am touching my abdomen = xxxxxxx
She hits him Demba in the abdomen = xxxxxxx
He hit me in the abdomen = xxxxxxx
Example 9. Finger = Ndukun; Tukun
I broke my finger please take me to the hospital = xxxxxxx
I am putting the ring on my finger
He put the ring on her finger = xxxxxxx
Example 10. Nails = Chatnap
She went to the manicurist to have her nails done = xxxxxxx
I am going to the manicurist to have my nails done = xxxxxxx
I am cutting my nails = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
In this knowledge test, you will be given a list of words in English pertaining to the human body and asked to select the Saafi word for that body part. You will also be asked to translate phrases from English to Saafi relating to parts of the human body. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
12. The family members = Boobi nik kahni
Family members | Boobi nik kahni |
Father
|
Paamou
|
Mother
|
Ndaamou
|
Younger brother or sister
|
Tamdox
|
Older brother or sister
|
Yakak*
|
Grandfather = xxxxxxx Great grandfather = xxxxxxx Grandmother = xxxxxxx Great grandmother = xxxxxxx Husband = xxxxxxx Wife = xxxxxxx Parents = xxxxxxx Son = xxxxxxx Daughter = xxxxxxx Children = xxxxxxx Fiancée = xxxxxxx Aunt = xxxxxxx Maternal aunt = xxxxxxx Paternal aunt = xxxxxxx Uncle = xxxxxxx Maternal uncle = xxxxxxx Paternal uncle = xxxxxxx Cousin = xxxxxxx Paternal family = xxxxxxx Maternal family = xxxxxxx Paternal lineage = Paamou ci Maternal lineage = Ndaamou ci Ancestors = xxxxxxx Descendants = xxxxxxx
Boyfriend = xxxxxxx Girlfriend = xxxxxxx |
.
|
.
|
|
To be old (man)
|
Yoobko*
|
Old man
|
Yobkhori
|
Old men
|
Yobkoci
|
.
|
.
|
To be old (woman)
|
Ɓiif |
Old woman
|
Mbitif
|
Old women
|
Mbitifci
|
|
|
Little boy; little girl = komaki |
.
|
*Yakak is a compound of yak (be old; grow) and the suffix ak.
*Yob or Yoob (as in yoobko) means fragile.
Examples:
May I introduce my father to you = xxxxxxx
My father’s name is Demba = xxxxxxx
May I introduce my mother to you = xxxxxxx
My mother’s name is Ngoneh = xxxxxxx
May I introduce my elder sister to you = xxxxxxx
May I introduce my younger brother to you = xxxxxxx
This is my wife. Her name is Kumba. = xxxxxxx
Kumba please meet Demba = xxxxxxx
My wife gave birth to a new baby boy = xxxxxxx
He is my younger brother. He was born after me. = xxxxxxx
She is my older sister. I was born after her. = xxxxxxx
Today is my sister’s birthday = xxxxxxx
We are having a family party would you like to come? = xxxxxxx
My ancestors were griots = xxxxxxx
My ancestors were nobles = xxxxxxx
My ancestors were saltigues (high priests) = xxxxxxx
Your ancestors were Lamans = xxxxxxx
His ancestors were kings of Siins and Saluum = xxxxxxx
Her ancestor was the chief griot for the king of Baol. = xxxxxx
Do you know the history and genealogy of your family? = xxxxxxx
I know the history and genealogy of my family = xxxxxxx
I don’t know the history and genealogy of my family = xxxxxxx
My ancestral home is in Tukar = xxxxxxx
My cousin is a doctor = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
In this knowledge test, you will be given a Saafi word relating to members of the family and asked to find its antonym. For example the antonym of paamou (father) is ndaamou (mother). You will also be asked to introduce a family member from English to Saafi, and to translate an English word of a family member to Saafi. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
13.
Words relating to life and the human senses = xxxxxxx
13. Words relating to life and the human senses = xxxxxxx
Words relating to life and the senses | Woy ci rassoh na kifess |
Life
|
Kifess
|
Breathe
|
Iik
|
Look
|
Iij
|
Look
|
Marak
|
Smells good; good smell
|
Eeñ
|
Smells bad; bad smell; rotten
|
Ott
|
Feel (smell)
|
Eeñduk
|
Taste
|
.
|
Touch |
|
Hear
|
|
Examples
Can you breathe properly? = xxxxxxx
I can’t breathe properly. = xxxxxxx
I can breathe properly. = xxxxxxx
He is not breathing = xxxxxxx
My great grandmother is still alive. She is 107 years old. = xxxxxxx
The food smells delicious. = xxxxxxx
The apple smells rotten = xxxxxxx
I like the smell of that perfume = xxxxxxx
I don’t like that smell = xxxxxxx
Look at that beautiful house = xxxxxxx
He can’t see. He is blind. = xxxxxxx
She can’t hear. She is deaf. = xxxxxxx
I can feel my heart beating. = xxxxxxx
I can feel the smell of the lemon at the back of my throat. = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
In this knowledge test, you will be given a list of Saafi words and asked to select the only word which does pertains to the human senses. You will also be asked to translate phrases from English to Saafi relating to life and the human senses. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
14.
Words relating to death and the afterlife = xxxxxxx
14. Words relating to death and the afterlife = xxxxxxx
Words relating to death and the afterlife | xxxxxxx |
Death |
kakaan
|
Afterlife |
|
Heaven |
|
Hell |
.
|
Jaaniiw (a Seereer term meaning the place where good souls go) |
|
Grave |
|
Tomb |
|
Burial |
|
Corpse |
|
Funeral
|
|
Examples
He died yesterday = xxxxxxx
My great grandmother has passed away = xxxxxxx
Kumba Ndoofeen Famaak Juuf died in 1871. = xxxxxxx
The king is dead = xxxxxxx
The queen is dead = xxxxxxx
My great grandfather is buried at my family’s tomb in Siin. = xxxxxxx
He was a good man. He is in Jaaniiw. = xxxxxxx
In Seereer religion, there is no heaven or hell. Good souls go to Jaaniiw. Bad souls will be rejected from entering Jaaniiw and they become lost and wondering souls. = xxxxxxx
He is buried at Latri Kunda cemetery in the Gambia = xxxxxxx
The funeral is tomorrow = xxxxxxx
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
In this knowledge test, you will be given a list of words derived from the previous lesson and asked to select the Saafi name for that word. You will also be asked to translate phrases from English to Saafi relating to death and afterlife. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
15. Dialogue between two Saafi-Saafi speakers = xxxxxxx
In this lesson, you will learn a short dialogue between two Saafi-Saafi speakers. The first speaker is called Tamsir Juuf and the second speaker is called Demba Seen. We will use their respective initials (T.J and D.S) to denote the name of the speaker. In this dialogue, you will notice that there are no question marks (?) in the corresponding Saafi-Saafi translations. Instead, the word ne acts as a question mark.
Try to understand what is being said by each speaker as you will be tested later on it.
Speaker | English | Saafi-Saafi |
T.J
|
Hello or how are you (to a man)?
|
Fu tumne ƴaari *
|
D.S
|
I am fine. And you are you well?
|
Mingarek ɓa fu raakiɗ jamm
|
T.J
|
Yes I am well. I thank God and our ancestors.
|
Ee, mi corkid Kooh Seen na hatayci
|
D.S
|
How is work?
|
Fu tumne ƥangki.
|
T.J
|
Ok. I am doing my best.
|
Ee, mi ndeg ɗuuk keh kek.
|
D.S
|
What is your name?
|
Fu teeku ne
|
T.J
|
My name is Tamsir.
|
Mi teeku Tamsir
|
D.S
|
What is your surname?
|
Fu kañu ne
|
T.J
|
My surname is Juuf.
|
Mi kañu Juuf.
|
D.S
|
Where do you live?
|
Fu guen nde.
|
T.J
|
I am from the Gambia but I am currently living in Europe.
|
Mi guen Gambia wayi mi nik tougal.
|
T.J
|
And you, what is your name?
|
Fu nam teeku ne
|
D.S
|
My name is Demba Seen. I live in Kuur saafi.
|
Mi teeku Demba Seen mi guen Kuur saafi.
|
D.S
|
I am very happy to know you.
|
Sumid ini mi inhoh naɗa
|
T.J
|
The pleasure is all mine.
|
Mi up ɗa sum
|
D.S
|
May God help us.
|
Kooh ambohaat ɗaf jen.
|
T.J
|
Amen
|
Amin
|
D.S
|
What is the matter? (lit: Are you walking for peaceful issues?)
|
Fu tiinde jamo
|
T.J
|
Of course. I am conducting a research on Saafi religion and Black history.
|
Ee, mi saksuke waass Kooh saafi na cosaan ɓo suusuus.
|
*The word ƴaari is used when addressing a man or group of men. To address someone or group of people regardless of sex or gender, you can simply say "fu tumne" - which means how are you?
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
You have just finished reading the above dialogue between Demba and Tamsir along with the notes below the table. In this knowledge test, you will be asked questions relating to what you have just read and will be expected to click on the correct answer written in Saafi. Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.
16. Saafi numbers = xxxxxxx
Counting from 1 to 21 = xxxxxxx
Saafi ordinal numbers
| |
0
|
.
|
1
|
.
|
2
|
.
|
3
|
.
|
4
|
.
|
5
|
.
|
6
|
.
|
7
|
.
|
8
|
.
|
9
|
.
|
10
|
.
|
11
|
.
|
12
|
.
|
13
|
.
|
14
|
.
|
15
|
.
|
16
|
.
|
17
|
.
|
18
|
.
|
19
|
.
|
20
|
.
|
Click to edit table header | |
1st
|
|
2nd
|
|
3rd
|
|
4th
|
|
5th
|
|
6th
|
|
7th
|
|
8th
|
|
9th
|
|
10th
|
|
You are about to be tested on the above lesson. If you feel you are ready for the test, scroll down this page.
Test your knowledge
If you have made it this far you have done pretty well. Just one more test to go and you can give yourself a round of applause.
In this knowledge test, you will be asked questions relating to Saafi numbers, for example counting from 1 to 21 and Saafi ordinal numbers. You are probably sick of reading the next line but here it is again for your delectation: Read each question carefully and click on the correct answer without scrolling up this page.