Sarcouncil Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences

Abstract: As the most widely spoken language in Senegal and an important lingua franca across both Senegal and The Gambia, Wolof facilitates daily interaction among diverse ethnic communities. Its widespread use has naturally given rise to significant linguistic variation, making Wolof a rich subject for dialectological investigation. Studying these varieties provides insight into historical contact in the Senegambian space, social integration, and the processes of standardization that have shaped the language over time. This research paper presents a contrastive analysis of the consonant sound system of the two Wolof dialects, based on standard characteristics. Indeed, the phonological variations among the Standard, Saalum, and the Gambian dialects are systematic and reflect distinct pathways of sound change. Differences in the realization of consonants will illustrate how each dialect applies its own phonological constraints and patterns. These contrasts highlight the role of consonantal shifts as key indicators of dialectal identity and linguistic evolution.