Ça va? Na nga def? (How are you?) Both of these phrases are common greetings I hear each day in Dakar, Senegal, and they reflect the mixture of cultures here. Ça va as you probably know is French, and Na nga def is Wolof, one of the most common languages spoken in Senegal. Don’t worry if those phrases look a little strange. We will soon learn lots of fun and interesting aspects of daily life in Senegal and see how different cultures combine language, food, and sports.
Growing up in the Midwest, I didn’t know much about Senegal. However, I loved history, geography and sports. During my studies at Eastern Michigan University, I discovered a fascination with the continent of Africa. After graduating, I continued to learn and take classes while teaching middle school/high school history and geography. Learning about Africa was so interesting, I eventually returned to school full-time at the University of Illinois to study religion and African studies.
Currently, I am a Ph.D candidate at the University of Virginia and I have been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant to study Senegalese wrestling. Why wrestling? Wrestling is the national sport of Senegal and it includes aspects of many different cultures, all mixed together to create something amazing.
I am so excited to be on this journey with you as we learn together about new people, perspectives and places!
