Thiès: The Cultural Heartbeat of Senegal

• HelloSalam
  [sa-lam]
• GoodbyeBa beneen
  [ba be-neen]
• YesWaaw
  [waaw]
• NoDéedéet
  [dee-deet]
• Please/You're welcomeJërejëf
  [je-re-jef]
• Thank youJërëjëf
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryNjaaf
  [njaaf]
• How are you?Nopp naa la?
  [nop-na-la]
• Fine. And you?Jaay. E tudd?
  [jaay. e tud]
• Do you speak English?Dafa bëgg naa Angalees?
  [da-fa begg naa an-ga-lees]
• I don't understandDuma ma laa
  [duma ma laa]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNuy def seenegaal bi, dafa tudd
  [nu-ye def see-neg-gaal bi. da-fa tud]
• I don't eat meatDuma nga tere bët
  [duma nga te-re bet]
• Cheers!Boul kène
  [boul ke-ne]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDafa féébar, dafa tudd
  [da-fa fe-bar, da-fa tud]

• Help!Ndoumbél
  [ndoom-bel]
• Go away!Deff léén
  [deff leen]
• Call the Police!Noppaliss
  [nop-pa-liss]
• Call a doctor!Nopp ndiabe
  [nop-pa ndi-a-be]
• I'm lostNoppalal
  [nop-pa-lal]
• I'm illNoppaliko
  [nop-pa-li-koo]

• I'd like to buy...Dafa am xool...
  [da-fa am xool]
• I'm just lookingNoppaliku
  [nop-pa-li-koo]
• How much is it?Ki lañu?
  [ki lanu]
• That's too expensiveYàppaliku
  [yap-pa-li-koo]
• Can you lower the price?Am naa defal lañu?
  [am naa de-fal la-nu]

• What time is it?Làkk naa la?
  [lak na la]
• It's one o'clockWaxtu benn
  [wakh-too benn]
• Half past (10)Noppalik
  [nop-pa-lik]
• MorningSuba
  [su-ba]
• AfternoonKër
  [ker]
• EveningKër gi
  [ker gee]
• YesterdayNjàmm
  [nyam]
• TodayNopp
  [nop]
• TomorrowFàttalikoo
  [fat-ta-li-koo]
• 1Benn
  [benn]
• 2Ñaar
  [nyar]
• 3Xët
  [khet]
• 4Nèg
  [neg]
• 5Juroom
  [ju-room]
• 6Waxtu juroom
  [wakh-too ju-room]
• 7Waxtu ñaar
  [wakh-too nyar]
• 8Waxtu xët
  [wakh-too khet]
• 9Waxtu nèg
  [wakh-too neg]
• 10Fukk
  [fukk]

• Where's a/the...?Nopp la...
  [nop la]
• What's the address?Aduna bi la?
  [a-doo-na bi la]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Am naa defal ma (soppi xer)
  [am naa de-fal ma (sop-pi xer)]
• When's the next (bus)?Xool bi mu taxaw?
  [xool bi mu ta-khaw]
• A ticket (to ....)Biléet (cii...)
  [bi-leet (chee)]

Thiès, originally a small village, was founded in the 19th century. The first settlers were primarily involved in agriculture and cattle rearing. The village grew in importance due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region.

During the French colonial period, Thiès gained prominence as a key railway hub. The Dakar-Niger Railway, completed in the early 20th century, connected Thiès to Dakar and other inland regions. This development transformed the town into a bustling center of commerce and industry, attracting workers and businesses from various parts of Senegal and beyond.

In World War II, Thiès played a significant role as a military base for the French colonial forces. The town's strategic location and railway infrastructure made it an ideal site for military logistics and troop movements. This period saw the construction of various military installations and contributed to the town's growth and modernization.

After Senegal gained independence in 1960, Thiès continued to develop as an industrial center. The establishment of various manufacturing plants, including textiles, food processing, and construction materials, spurred economic growth and urbanization. The town became a vital contributor to the national economy, providing employment and fostering technological advancements.

Thiès is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The town is famous for its artisanal crafts, particularly tapestry weaving, which has gained international recognition. Traditional music and dance, deeply rooted in the local culture, are celebrated through various festivals and cultural events, showcasing the town's artistic talents and preserving its cultural identity.

Thiès is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the École Polytechnique de Thiès and the University of Thiès. These institutions have played a crucial role in advancing education and research in Senegal, attracting students and scholars from across the country and abroad. The town's commitment to education has fostered a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, contributing to its socio-economic development.

Today, Thiès is a dynamic and rapidly growing city, blending its historical legacy with modern advancements. The city's infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and public services, continues to improve, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Thiès remains a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and education, reflecting its enduring significance in Senegal's history and development.

Thiès is located approximately 70 kilometers east of Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The most convenient way to reach Thiès is by flying into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private car to Thiès, which typically takes around an hour by road. Alternatively, you can use public transportation options like buses or minibuses (known locally as 'Ndiaga Ndiaye') that operate between Dakar and Thiès.

Thiès has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance. 'Ndiaga Ndiaye' minibuses serve as an affordable means of getting around the city and connecting to nearby towns. For a more local experience, you can also use motorcycle taxis known as 'Jakarta'. If you prefer more control over your itinerary, car rental services are available but may be more expensive.

The official currency in Senegal is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when dealing with smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Thiès, particularly in commercial areas and near banks. Ensure you have enough cash for smaller transactions, as card payment options might be limited.

Thiès is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant in areas like the Grand Market, where petty theft can occur. It is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive items. Consult local advice on areas to avoid.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department, and 15 for medical emergencies. Thiès has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical attention. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'Thieboudienne'. Don’t refuse food offerings graciously, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Thiès like a local, visit the artisanal market where you can purchase handcrafted items such as textiles and jewelry. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the famous Bandia Reserve, where you can see a variety of wildlife. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the old colonial railway station area which offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.