My friend, my brother, my father: word hacking (july, 11th)

Contrary to a popular belief, Senegal is no underdeveloped country particularly regarding criteria such as language. Of course, Senegalese did not attend school enough to enrich their vocabulary. So, they have become master in word hacking.
Some words may have up to three different meanings. One of these is the word “friend”.
In Europe, a “friend” is someone for who you have a lot of consideration as you have known him for a long time or because you have experienced special moments with.
In Senegal, forget about it.

Example 1, during a business meeting
Hi, this is Raphael, he is my friend, he is an expert in France and works for big companies. He can bring a lot to Senegal.
Translation in European: hi, this is a guy I have met once in Paris, a month ago, he seems reliable, listen to him.

Example 2, in the street
Hi, what's your name ? Where do you come from ? From France ? Ah, we are friend with french people. We like them a lot. I have a lot of french friends, such as Valérie or John.
Translate: come on, I have seen you pockets full of euros, if I get your attention and sympathy and tell you a few basic things about the city, you won't refuse giving me a few bucks.

Example 3, at the Senegal-Mauritanian border, Mauritanian riverside
Hi, my friend, are you looking for a shared car to Nouakchott ? It is late, down there at the garage, there are few car leaving as there is no more passenger left, wanting to leave. But, I will call my father who is the head of the “garage”. Here is the deal: instead of paying 4500 umguia (mauritania currency), I will bargain for you, you will pay 2000 for you and 1300 for me.
Translation in European
I bet I will frigthen you enough for you to beg me on your knees to pay twice the price rather than staying anymore time at the border. My father maybe dead or living in another country. At best, the head of the garage (bush taxi station) is a cousin, uncle or vague relative I will tip. The actual price without bargaining is 2000 umguias.

The same way, “this is my brother” maybe have 5 different meanings in European:

• born from same father, same mother
• born form same father but with a different wife
• born from uncles or aunts,
• born from someone who belongs to family,
• does not belong to the family, but is a real friend (european meaning)

Incredibly enough, once you grasp the essence of these language approximation, you can guess rather precisely the exact nature of links between two people, without asking. The main cause of this habit of strengthening links between people is the need for proving social integration, in a society where business or private deals is mainly driven by the trust you have in people that belong to the same circles as you.

Next: Mali

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