Serer is one of the oldest and most distinctive languages of Senegal. Spoken by approximately 1.5 to 2 million people, mainly in the Thiès, Fatick regions and part of Gambia, Serer is the language of one of the oldest ethnic groups in the region , from which came Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor.

An Atlantic language (like Wolof), Serer has distinctive phonology and grammar that clearly differentiates it from neighboring Wolof. While Wolof spread as Senegal's national language, Serer has maintained its vitality through its community's deep attachment to the language.

Basic Greetings in Serer

Hello: Naka nga dëkk ?

The main Serer greeting is Naka nga dëkk ? (pronounced na-ka nga dèk), literally meaning "How are you where you are?" or more simply "How are you?"

Response: Maa ngi fi rekk (ma ngi fi rek) , "I'm here, fine"

Or more simply: Maa ngi xam-xam (ma ngi kham-kham) , "All is well"

Simple Greeting: Sope

For a quick and warm hello: Sope (so-pé) , an affectionate greeting that works for everyone.

Greetings by Time of Day

Morning:
  • Fanaan bu baax (fa-nan bu bax) , "Good morning"
  • Response: Amul dëkk (a-mul dèk) , "No worries"
    • Evening:
  • Guddi bu baax (gud-di bu bax) , "Good evening"

    • How Are You?

    Ana nga wër ma ? (a-na nga wèr ma) , "Are you well?"

    Response: Maa ngi wër ma (ma ngi wèr ma) , "I'm doing well"

    Pronunciation Guide

  • ë sounds like "eu" in French "jeu"
  • ng is nasal (like in "parking")
  • x is a guttural sound, like the Spanish "j" or German "Bach"
    • Pronunciation -------------- na-ka nga dèk ma ngi fi rek so-pé fa-nan bu bax gud-di bu bax djèf djèf

    Respect in Serer Culture

    In Serer tradition, which is strongly attached to ancestors and lineage, respect for elders is sacred:

  • Bow slightly
  • Touch the ground with fingertips before shaking hands (deep respect gesture)
  • Say Jaaraama (dja-ra-ma) to express gratitude and deep respect

    • Respectful Titles

  • Buup (boup): father / sir (respect for a man)
  • Yaa (ya): mother / madam (respect for a woman)

    • Welcome: Saawal

    To welcome someone: Saawal (sa-wal) , "Welcome" in Serer.

    Serer Culture: Spirituality and Ancestors

    The Serer is one of the rare ethnic groups in West Africa that resisted mass conversion to Islam for several centuries. Although most are now Muslim, many Serers still practice Sseex (traditional Serer religion), centered on ancestor worship (Pangool).

    Quick Reference

    Pronunciation Context | -----------------------| na-ka nga dèk General greeting | ma ngi fi rek Response | so-pé Affectionate | fa-nan bu bax Morning | gud-di bu bax Evening | djèf djèf Gratitude | sa-wal
    Word
    Meaning
    ------
    ---------
    Naka nga dëkk ?
    How are you?
    Maa ngi fi rekk
    I'm fine (I'm here)
    Sope
    Hello (affectionate)
    Fanaan bu baax
    Good morning
    Guddi bu baax
    Good evening
    Jëf jëf
    Thank you
    Expression
    Translation
    -----------
    ------------
    Naka nga dëkk ?
    How are you?
    Maa ngi fi rekk
    I'm fine
    Sope
    Hello
    Fanaan bu baax
    Good morning
    Guddi bu baax
    Good evening
    Jëf jëf
    Thank you
    Saawal
    Welcome
    Receiving guests | See all languages of Senegal and West Africa on Targumi