Learn French in Dakar
Dakar is Senegal's capital and a hub for West African business, diplomacy and culture. French is the language of government, universities and formal work, while Wolof fills the streets and markets.
French in Dakar
Article 1 of Senegal's 2001 Constitution makes French the official language of the Republic. The same article names national languages, including Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Diola, Malinké and Soninké. In practice the two worlds sit side by side in Dakar. French is used in government offices, courts, schools, universities, newspapers and formal business, while Wolof is the main language of daily conversation and trade, spoken and understood by the great majority of Senegalese. Researchers at Université Laval's language planning site estimate that 15 to 20% of the population speak French well, with the highest concentration in Dakar. Knowing French is therefore what gives access to official and professional life.
Why people in Dakar learn French
For international staff, diplomats and NGO workers, French is the working language of Senegal's ministries, partners and press. Dakar hosts regional offices of many international organisations and companies serving French-speaking West Africa, so French is often a job requirement rather than a bonus. Students who want to attend Université Cheikh Anta Diop or Dakar's business schools need French for lectures and exams. French also lets you read contracts, deal with banks and travel easily to neighbouring francophone countries. Adding a few words of Wolof alongside it will win you warm smiles.
The French you'll hear
Senegalese French uses standard grammar with a clear, measured accent, and it borrows freely from Wolof. You will hear a petrol station called une essencerie and a grilled-meat stall called une dibiterie. Conversations often switch between French and Wolof in the same sentence. Greetings take time, and asking after someone's family before getting to business is part of good manners. The idea of teranga, Wolof for hospitality, shapes how people welcome visitors.
- Il y a une essencerie près d'ici ?Is there a petrol station near here?
- On mange à la dibiterie ce soir ?Shall we eat at the grill tonight?
- C'est combien la course jusqu'au Plateau ?How much is the fare to the Plateau?
- Comment va la famille ?How is the family?
- Je travaille pour une ONG à Dakar.I work for an NGO in Dakar.
French exams in Dakar
The Institut français du Sénégal in Dakar states that it is the only organisation in Senegal authorised to run French certification sessions. It offers the DELF from A1 to B2 and the DALF at C1 and C2, the TCF in several versions including TCF Canada, TCF Québec and the TCF for French nationality, and the TEF Canada. Check its sessions page for dates and registration.
Check dates and fees with the exam centre directly; they change every session.
Where to start in the course
French Ultimate is an online course, so you can follow it from Dakar or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Dakar
Should I learn French or Wolof in Dakar?
For work, administration and study, French comes first, as it is the official language. Wolof is what you hear most in daily life and markets, and even a few phrases help with friendships. Many expats learn French properly and pick up basic Wolof locally. French Ultimate teaches French only.
Which test do I need for Canada from Dakar?
For Canadian federal immigration, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. For Québec, the TCF Québec and TEFAQ are also accepted, among others. The Institut français du Sénégal offers TCF Canada, TCF Québec and TEF Canada. Results are generally valid for two years, so plan your test close to your application.
Is French Ultimate taught in a classroom in Dakar?
No, there is no classroom or teacher in Dakar. French Ultimate is followed entirely online, through video lessons, speaking practice and graded stories on your phone or laptop. The DELF and DALF mock exams help you prepare before registering for a session at the Institut français du Sénégal.
Learn French from Dakar, at your own pace
Animated video lessons that stop for your answers, speaking practice, graded stories and DELF/DALF mock exams, from A1 to C2. Start with the free placement test to see where you are.
Take the placement test