Discover the Cultural Heartbeat of Teyarett, Nouakchott

• HelloNgi
  [ngi]
• GoodbyeNgo jooɓi
  [ngo joo-bee]
• YesHaan
  [haan]
• NoAlaa
  [alaa]
• Please/You're welcomeDii
  [dee]
• Thank youJerejef
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryNjaaraama
  [nya-raa-ma]
• How are you?Ŋaɓɓe tawa?
  [ngab-be ta-wa]
• Fine. And you?Jaaraama. E tawa?
  [ja-raa-ma. e ta-wa]
• Do you speak English?Njette ɗum engeles?
  [nya-te doom en-ge-les]
• I don't understandMi njettiima
  [mi nye-teema]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi nda anndi menyu, nde
  [mi nda an-dee men-yu, nde]
• I don't eat meatMi njetti enaay
  [mi nye-te ee-nay]
• Cheers!Yehki!
  [yeh-ki]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi nda loowaa, nde
  [mi nda loo-waa, nde]

• Help!Eɓɓa!
  [eb-ba]
• Go away!Jokku!
  [jok-ku]
• Call the Police!Njooɗa ɗoorɗe
  [nyoo-da door-de]
• Call a doctor!Njooɗa doktor
  [nyoo-da dok-tor]
• I'm lostMi nda henndi
  [mi nda hen-dee]
• I'm illMi nda neɗɗi
  [mi nda ne-dee]

• I'd like to buy...Mi nda jeed...
  [mi nda jeed]
• I'm just lookingMi nda jeegi
  [mi nda jee-gi]
• How much is it?Kiiɗe ɗum?
  [kee-de doom]
• That's too expensiveWaɗi e kiiɗe
  [wa-dee e kee-de]
• Can you lower the price?Maa njooɗa kiiɗe?
  [maa nyoo-da kee-de]

• What time is it?Kiiɗe waɗi?
  [kee-de wa-dee]
• It's one o'clockWaɗi e gooto
  [wa-dee e go-to]
• Half past (10)Gooje yetta (10)
  [go-je yet-ta]
• MorningFajru
  [faa-jru]
• AfternoonBelle
  [bel-le]
• EveningAlɛrɓe
  [al-er-be]
• YesterdayHaayi
  [haa-yi]
• TodayNdeewa
  [nde-wa]
• TomorrowHinaande
  [hi-naan-de]
• 1Kono
  [ko-no]
• 2Bi
  [bee]
• 3Ŋondu
  [ngon-du]
• 4Njaay
  [nyaay]
• 5Muus
  [moos]
• 6Jam
  [jam]
• 7Njowa
  [nyo-wa]
• 8Njaɓɓu
  [nya-bbu]
• 9Ŋoŋɗu
  [ngon-du]
• 10Fulɓe
  [ful-be]

• Where's a/the...?Nde e...
  [nde e]
• What's the address?Nde e ndeeru?
  [nde e nde-e-ru]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Maa njooɗa kikii (ko wonnde)?
  [maa nyoo-da ki-ki (ko won-de)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nde e baayi (basi)?
  [nde e ba-ayi (ba-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ndewa (to ....)
  [nde-wa (to ....)]

Teyarett is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Nouakchott, which was established in 1960 when the city was designated as the capital of Mauritania. The neighborhood began as a settlement for government employees and urban migrants drawn to the new capital. Teyarett's development reflects the broader urbanization trends of the country, as Mauritania transitioned from a largely rural society to an urban one.

Teyarett has long served as a melting pot of cultures in Nouakchott. As various ethnic groups, including the Berbers, Arabs, and Sub-Saharan Africans, moved to the area, they brought with them diverse traditions, languages, and culinary practices. This cultural amalgamation is evident in the local markets, where traditional Mauritanian crafts and foods are sold alongside influences from neighboring countries.

Throughout the 20th century, Teyarett became a significant site for political activism in Mauritania. The neighborhood was home to numerous protests and demonstrations, particularly during the periods of political unrest in the 1980s and 1990s. Activists from Teyarett played a critical role in advocating for civil rights and democratic reforms, making it a focal point for social change in Nouakchott.

As Nouakchott expanded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Teyarett underwent significant urban development. New infrastructures, such as schools, hospitals, and roads, were built to accommodate the growing population. This rapid urbanization has had both positive and negative impacts on the community, leading to improved access to services but also challenges related to overcrowding and infrastructure strain.

Women in Teyarett have played a vital role in the neighborhood's social and economic life. Traditionally involved in handicrafts and small-scale trading, many women have increasingly taken on leadership roles within community organizations and local businesses. Their contributions have been instrumental in fostering community resilience and addressing social issues within the neighborhood.

Teyarett is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Nouakchott. The most common way to reach Teyarett is by taxi or shared minibus (known as 'clandos'). Taxis can be hailed from various points in the city, while clandos have designated routes and are usually cheaper. If you're coming from the airport, you can take a taxi directly to Teyarett, which takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Teyarett is primarily navigated by taxis and clandos. While there are no formal public transport systems like trains, the shared minibuses provide an affordable option for short distances. Bicycles are not commonly used; however, walking is popular for shorter distances. Always negotiate the fare before getting into a taxi.

Teyarett is generally safe, but like any urban area, it has its risks. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded markets. Areas near the main markets may experience higher crime rates. It's advisable to avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables secured. Always stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police, 18 for fire, and 15 for medical assistance in Mauritania. It is prudent to have a local SIM card for easy communication. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or clinic. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Teyarett.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially women, to respect local customs. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect Islamic traditions; avoid public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly; don’t engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes; don’t refuse food or drink when offered as it may offend your host.

To experience Teyarett like a local, visit the vibrant markets where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with local residents, who are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Try local street food, but ensure it’s from busy vendors for freshness. Attend local events or festivals if available, to immerse yourself in the community's culture.