Speaking the Same Language

I just happened to start listening to the Come From Away soundtrack the other day. I haven't seen the show - didn't get the chance this past summer - but the soundtrack seems to tell just about the whole story.

If you don't know anything about it, Come From Away tells the story of the 38 aircraft that were diverted to the small town of Gander, NL on this day, 18 years ago. September 11th, 2001. There's some language in the soundtrack (they're Newfies after all), but it sure is powerful.

One of the songs struck a chord with me. Just for context, this is after the passengers were held on the tarmac (some for 28 hours), released (some after questioning), and carted off on busses (many still not knowing the day's events) to various community buildings. This particular moment between a passenger and a bus driver really gave me pause. Have a listen.

"And that's how we started speaking the same language."

Whew. What a little window into the confusion and fear of being in a foreign place surrounded by strange people speaking a strange language. So many of our patients must feel this way when they first come aboard. Fortunately, we have help in speaking the same language.

At Peace

Wolof is the language spoken by about 40% of Senegalese, along with a number of variant dialects, and a couple dozen other languages in various regions inland. In Dakar, an urban dialect of Wolof is spoken - a blend of Wolof, French, and Arabic. Coming from the strong Arabic & Islam influence, "Asalamalekum" is the most common greeting. Much of the language (particularly greetings) revolves around peace, and, as in most "hot cultures," greetings go beyond "Hi" and "how are you" to "how's your family, your home, your health, your journey, etc, etc, etc..."

Thanks to our lovely day crew I've picked up a few key phrases; ready for a survival Wolof primer?

Asalamalakum (Peace be upon you)

     Malekum salam (And you also) 

 Na nga def? (How are you?)

     Mangi fi / Mangi fi rek /Jamm rekk 

     (I'm here / I'm here in peace / I'm at peace) 

Jerrejef (Thank you - literally, "the act was worth it")

     Nyoko bok (No worries)

Baal ma (Excuse me), Massa (Very sorry)

Waaw (Yes), Deedeet (No)

There you go. Now you can survive - or at least bring some peace into the conversation - if you ever visit Dakar.

Be benen yoon ('Till next time),
-D