Describe the phonetic inventory of your target language. Are there sounds in your language that don't exist in English? Provide several phonetic transcriptions of important words.
Though many sounds in Wolof are pronounced as they are written, some sounds in the language diverge greatly from the way they are pronounced. For instance, the ‘x’ is pronounced as a ‘h’ sound and written phonetically as [x~X]. Many sounds in Wolof do not exist in English, but the different sounds are produced by the same mechanisms of manipulation. See five transcriptions here: dafa [dafa], mbeugel [mboegɛl], seed [sɛd:], ngelow [ɳgoelɔw], ndox [ndox~X].
What do you need to know about the structure of your target language? How will you acquire the knowledge you need? Have you identified resources and textbooks to promote your task-based objectives? Why or why not?
As far as structure goes, it would be appropriate to understand some basic elements of Wolof’s syntax. I’ll need to understand how to manipulate some grammar, especially the differences between “I am,” “We are,” and “They are.” Because I am still finalizing my learning plan, I haven’t solidly identified all the resources I’ll need. However, I’m beginning to find YouTube very beneficial (I’m listening to a Senegalese artist on YouTube as I type). I’ve also identified a Senegalese filmmaker who’s produced many films and set the precedence for filmmaking in Senegal: Ousmane Sembène. I’ll definitely be utilizing his work. I’ve also run across an Intro to Dakar Wolof book published by the Peace Corps that I may make use of.
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