Wolof is the dominant language of the West African country of Senegal, whose capital, Dakar, is the westernmost point on the African continent. Dakar is 5 hours flight to New York. Senegal was the capital of French colonies in West Africa and it played a great role in international relations. It was the principle gate of slavery during the 15th and 16th centuries. Approximately four million people speak Wolof as a native language and at least as many speak it as a second language, making for a total of at least eight million speakers. Wolof is also spoken in the neighboring countries of Gambia Mauritania, Mali and by Senegalese emigrant groups elsewhere in Africa, Europe and the United States. KU is one of only six American universities to teach Wolof. In addition to studying on campus, you may also learn Wolof in Senegal on KU's study abroad program at the Gaston Berger University in the coastal city of Saint-Louis in northern Senegal.

This page was created by Alassane Fall. Last modified Novermber 1st, 2003.