Blog du Wren

Lost In Translation In Senegal

It feels like a long time since I've been somewhere where a) I don't speak the language and b) it isn't obvious I don't speak the language. Here in Senegal, neither is the case and it makes communication hard. Being that I'm kind of a fan of good communication, my entry into Senegal has been a bit rocky.

First off, there's the French thing. Not only do I not speak it, I can't even pronounce it when I see it written*. So much for google translate to the rescue. And since most of the foreign tourists here do speak French, most locals assume I can understand them and am probably just being a jerk. But aside for awkward interactions, not being able to communicate affects things: can't communicate to a cab driver where I need to go, can't get a price for, well, anything, can't understand that the boat I'm getting on isn't headed to where I think it's headed to. Some of these things are par for the traveling course. And it's not something I've never dealt with, but what compounds it is...

All the tools I rely on also seem to be suffering clear communication issues, though this time not based on language. The guidebook I'm using (most current version, only 3-4 years old) still referenced the old airport (a $40 cab ride away). Google maps is atrociously wrong, both on where roads exist and where hotels and establishments are on them. Even the most current info for the overnight ferry got a bunch of stuff wrong, specifically that there would be beds (there weren't) and that it would make a stop before its final destination (which it didn't.)

Luckily, despite these frustrations, I've had some good experiences. Those that do speak English (few and far between) have been super happy to practice with me. And even when I respond to a "ça va??" on the street with a thumbs up, I get a smile in return. Too bad I can't communicate "to the nearest ice cream stand, stat!" with a smile.

So while the communication thing has proven much harder than anticipated, I'm getting along, as I do. I added a jumping photo to my ever growing collection*. I've got to squish sand through my toes and let the wash it away. I've eaten some great food (until I was laid up with a bad case of the Timbuk-toots). I've seen oodles of . And, as was my goal, I'm here and getting to know Senegal, even just a little bit.

Perhaps this language thing will become too much for me and I'll hightail it for the English-speaking The Gambia. Or maybe I'll get over my need to understand and be fine with paying whatever they want to charge a bottle of water or a kebab of shrimp or the ability to take your luggage with you in a shared taxi. Ha ha. Just kidding. The Gambia here I come...

Saturday December 11 2021

File under: travel, Senegal

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speak yer peace