By Luis de Grandes

I think that knowing different languages is something very important when traveling. It helps you meet new people and make new contacts for future occasions, to help the group with which you are going to orientate and organize, and it also helps you understand other languages that are similar to the ones you already know. 

Here in Senegal, there are a lot of different languages. It’s true that this is one country but they do not speak one unique language in the country. People use French and Wolof as the main languages to communicate.

In my case, I know four languages, which has been very helpful to me throughout my life. I know Spanish, Catalan, French and English perfectly. Luckily three of them (Spanish, French and English) are the most spoken languages in the world which has made things a lot easier for me. 

On this occasion, a whole group of CCS traveled to Senegal. In Senegal, apart from speaking the local language, they dominate French (adapting a pronunciation with a different accent) due to former French colonies in Africa, which left traditions, languages and religions impregnated in this territory. 

We have only been in Senegal for two days and I have spoken French throughout these two long, beautiful days. I have mainly used it to help or translate for the large group I travel with because most of them do not know French or the local language of Senegal. For example, Ilaria asked me to ask a little kid whether he liked playing soccer. He did. This helped Ilaria get the chance to play soccer.

It has been interesting to see people try using English or signs or pointing to communicate. Sometimes it works and it has been clear that Senegalese people want to communicate – they try to guess. Still, I am glad I can speak with the people here and I would like to share my ability to connect and learn more.

I have a lot of questions myself. I want to learn a Senegalese language. I know it will be difficult because they sound difficult but I believe it is important and interesting to learn about culture through language. I want to share that.

Any word of gratitude, help, interest… I will gladly translate it to the group.