Serer is one of the oldest and most distinctive languages of Senegal. Spoken by approximately 1.5 to 2 million people (Ethnologue), 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.

Explore our West African language resources and our Serer language page to go deeper.

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"
Word Pronunciation Meaning
Naka nga dëkk ? na-ka nga dèk How are you?
Maa ngi fi rekk ma ngi fi rek I'm fine (I'm here)
Sope so-pé Hello (affectionate)
Fanaan bu baax fa-nan bu bax Good morning
Guddi bu baax gud-di bu bax Good evening
Jëf jëf djèf djèf Thank you

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

Expression Pronunciation Translation Context
Naka nga dëkk ? na-ka nga dèk How are you? General greeting
Maa ngi fi rekk ma ngi fi rek I'm fine Response
Sope so-pé Hello Affectionate
Fanaan bu baax fa-nan bu bax Good morning Morning
Guddi bu baax gud-di bu bax Good evening Evening
Jëf jëf djèf djèf Thank you Gratitude
Saawal sa-wal Welcome Receiving guests

See all languages of Senegal and West Africa on Targumi

Sources and References

Further Reading