So Long a Letter

So Long a Letter Glossary

Zem-Zem

Holy/miracle water from holy places of Islam

Call on you three times

A traditional method of invocation that indicates a serious discussion is about to follow

Siguil ndigale

An expression of condolence and hope for moral recovery

lakh

Senegalese food prepared with millet flour

boubou

A long, pull-over women's robe worn by West African women

thiakry

A Senegalese drink made with millet flour and milk curds

griot

A Black African who specializes in poetry, music, and sorcery. Often seen as a truth-teller.

baccalauréat

French for baccalaureate; in American terms, an undergraduate or a bachelor's degree

Guelewar

Senegalese term that means Princess of the Sine

assimilationist

Someone who focuses on racial and cultural integration, in this case, to the detriment of another culture

Imam

The person who leads prayers in the local mosque

polygamy

The practice of taking multiple wives

Tours

Invisible spirits/companions

bourgeoisie

The upper-middle class

cowrie

A type of marine mollusk. Farmata uses their shells to decipher Ramatoulaye's future

Safara

A liquid thought to have supernatural powers, given to Jacqueline in an attempt to heal her

Marabouts

A Muslim holy man or hermit, particularly North Africa

Sang-froid

Composure or coolness in the face of danger or stressful situations

Muezzin

The man who calls Muslims to prayer from the mosque

Timiss prayer

Prayer done at sunset

Samba linguere

A man of high esteem

Wolere

An old friendship

Guer

Nobleman

Bissimilai

An expression that indicates surprise