Saint-Louis, Senegal
16 October-2 November 2012
This course is organised by the Waaw centre, an artists' residence and a centre for art and design in the old town of Saint-Louis.
What will you learn?
You will learn enough Wolof to make yourself understood in everyday situations. The emphasis is on communication. No matter if you want to learn the language just for fun or for professional reasons: after the course, you will better understand the people and culture in Senegal and West Africa in general. You will also be given an overview of Wolof grammar, giving you a base for further study or even language research on your own.
Programme
The course will start on Tuesday 16 October and end on Friday 2 November 2012. Classes will be held Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1.15 p.m. Homework tasks will be given. In the afternoons and evenings, there is an optional programme of extra conversation in Wolof and activities and lectures related to Senegalese culture (in English, French or Wolof): including cooking, music and dance, religious traditions, literature and architecture. We will also make weekend excursions to the beaches of Langue de Barbarie and to Djoudj National Park, known for its rich bird life.
Your main teacher is Professor Abdoulaye Dial, Université Gaston Berger, who has a long experience in teaching Wolof for foreign students and professionals. He has also published teaching materials and a Wolof-French dictionary. Senegalese course hosts are responsible for extra conversation and extra-curricular activities. Lectures will be given by experts in the fields concerned. In order to ensure an optimal learning experience, we are accepting maximum 12 people onto the course.
Who can take part?
The course is intended for anyone interested over the age of 18, irrespective of professional or academic background. Knowledge of English or French is required. Professor Dial will use a communicative method and Wolof as the language of instruction right from the start, but he will explain grammar in French. If you don't speak French – don't worry: all the course material is available in English. The course hosts speak English.
If you already happen to know some Wolof - do get in touch with us. We are also planning to offer a course for advanced learners.
Course material
The course material is included in the course fee and will be distributed to participants at the beginning of the course: Abdoulaye Dial's text book Gan gi: a beginning self-study Wolof course for tourists and foreigners (2004), a grammar book, a short dictionary as well as photocopies.
Accommodation
We offer accommodation in the Waaw residence in basic but adequate rooms for one or two persons, with beds, desks and storage facilities. Bathrooms (hot water) are shared. Lunch and dinner Senegalese style (1,000 fcfa/€1.50) can be provided on request. At your disposal is also a communal kitchen, equipped with refrigerator, gas cookers, pots and pans. On the other hand, there are several restaurants nearby, where you can have a good meal for 2,000 fcfa/€3.
How to get to Saint-Louis
Transfer from Dakar to Saint-Louis will be arranged on Monday 15 October and back to Dakar on Saturday 3 November. Airport pick-up and transfer is included in the course fee. For those arriving in Senegal just before the start of the course, we will arrange accommodation in Dakar the night between 14 and 15 October. We will get back to those registered with more information regarding travel arrangements.
Course fees
Course with accommodation: €650 (425,000 fcfa, £540, $870)
The course price includes tuition, all course materials, activities in the evenings and on weekends, airport pick-up and accommodation (shared twin room) in Dakar 14 October, transfer from and to Dakar, accommodation (shared twin room) from 15 October to 3 November. Single room supplement: €150 (100,000 fcfa, £125, $200). The price does not include meals, air fare or any transport outside the planned programme. There is no reduction for late arrival or early departure.
Course only: €350 (230,000 fcfa, £300, $465)
The price includes tuition, all course materials, evening and weekend activities. Transfer from and to Dakar can be arranged but is not included.
Registration and further information
Please fill out the registration form and email it to the course administrator Mr Staffan Martikainen at info(at)waawsenegal.org. There are a few places left - be quick! If you have any queries, you can contact us at the same address.
Kaayleen ñu jàng wolof - let's learn Wolof!
