ABSTRACT
Although French is the official language of Senegal, the most widely spoken language is Wolof, a West Atlantic language of the Niger-Congo family group. Wolof is the preferred language of trade among Senegal's many ethnic and cultural groups. Other national languages include Jola, Manding, Pulaar, Sereer and Soninke. In the 17th century the French began building gum producing factories on the Senegal River as well as engaging in slave trade with many of the Wolof chiefs. Senegal was colonized by France in the 19th century and became independent in 1960. Goodbye Solo; Little Senegal; Badou Boy; Mossane; films by the Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembene in French and Wolof: Faat Kine, L'heroime au quotidian, Guelwaar, Camp de Thiaroye, Ceddo, Xala, Taaw, Mandabi, Tableau Ferraille. Belleville by Amy Herzog Battle of Black and Dogs by Bernard-Marie Koltes. Radio Seneweb, Radio Sud FM 98.5, WALF.
