WARA Post-Doc Grantee gets into the nitty-gritty of “Teranga” at this WARC Mini Seminar
At the West African Research Center in Dakar, Senegal, WARA Post-Doc Grantee Emily Riley, of Michigan State University, hosted a discussion on June 1, 2017 to coincide with her research project, “Teranga and Hospitality as the Foundation of the Senegalese Nation and of Political and Religious Practices in Dakar.” This event was held as part of the WARC Researchers’ Mini-Seminar series.
Dr. Riley has been visiting Dakar as a WARC affiliate over the past four years to research a subject that is a very important feature of Senegalese social life and values: Teranga.
The Wolof word “teranga” is a noun derived from the verb “teral” meaning to treat a guest decently – royally most of the time – and the Senegalese people actually pride themselves with the consummate art of making visitors feel completely at home.
Left to right: Pr Ousmane Sène, WARC Director, Emily Riley, MSU & Mamarame Seck, IFAN
The treat however has a cost, in some case a very high one at that, which may cause Senegalese families to overspend, incur debts, and fall into a state of economic hardship. This means that the practice of teranga could potentially be economically counter-productive as it depletes savings which, otherwise, could be invested. Instead, it goes toward the contentment of neighbors, relatives, friends, and sycophants.
Dr. Riley, who has become extensively familiar with Senegalese culture, expertly introduced the subject at this mini-seminar and engaged the audience in a lively Q&A session that brought up some very deep insights.
This event brought in some 30 participants, including visiting researchers and scholars, local academics, grad students, and Dr. Riley’s many Senegalese friends.
Seminar participants ready to talk “Teranga”
