Wolof

Wolof refers to an ethnic group and their language in West Africa. The Wolof are concentrated in Senegal, with sizable populations in The Gambia and Mauritania, and they form the largest ethnic group in Senegal. The historical Jolof or Djolof Empire, centered in the Senegambia region, is a key element in Wolof history and the naming of the region.

The Wolof language is a Niger-Congo language spoken by the Wolof people and widely used as a lingua franca across much of Senegal and parts of The Gambia. It belongs to the Senegambian subgroup of Niger-Congo and has several regional varieties. The language is written mainly in a Latin-based script; an Arabic-based orthography known as Wolofal is used for religious and traditional texts. It has a rich oral literature and is prominent in media, education, and daily life.

In society, the Wolof have traditional structures and customary practices shaped by lineages and councils; griots, known as jali, are historians, poets, and musicians who preserve and convey history. In contemporary culture, Wolof is a dominant language in Senegalese music, cinema, and everyday discourse.

Outside Senegal, Wolof communities and the language influence The Gambia and Mauritania, and the language has spread through urban migration and media. Official language in Senegal is French, but Wolof plays a key role in public life and national identity.