Xala

Xala Glossary

Xenophobia

Intense or even irrational fear (and hatred) of people from other countries

Megalomania

Obsession with power and the domination of others, which can also be delusional

Griot

A musician, poet, or storyteller who follows the tradition of oral history in West Africa

Marabout

A Muslim hermit or monk (here one who studies esoteric healing and seeing arts)

Gree-gree

Also grigri; an African amulet, fetish, or talisman

Awa

The Arabic term for the first woman on earth; also the name given to the first wife of a polygamist

Moomé

Also ayé; the period a polygamist husband spends with each of his wives in turn

Kora

A West African instrument shaped like a lute and played like a harp

Weje

Co-wife

Xala

Impotence; this word is pronounced with an 'H' sound at the beginning

Ay Gaaf

Haunted by bad luck

Facc-katt

A traditional healer

Seet-katt

A traditional seer

Toubab

White/European person

Karité

The shea tree

Pastis

An anise-flavored alcoholic beverage

Plutocracy

A style of government where the wealthy rule

N'Dakaru

Dakar, the capital of Senegal

Rachitic

Someone who is afflicted with rickets; someone of unsound physique

Acolytes

An assistant or follower, especially a religious one