FACT CHECK: Senegal’s Official Language Remains French; no switch to Arabic

A recent fake news report has been circulating, claiming that Senegal has abandoned French as its official language and adopted Arabic instead.

This rumor has caused confusion and concern among Senegalese citizens, international organizations, and language enthusiasts worldwide.

However, it is essential to set the record straight: Senegal has not replaced French with Arabic as its official language.

Senegal, a West African nation, has a rich linguistic heritage, with Wolof and French being its two official languages.

French, a legacy of the country’s colonial past, has remained an integral part of Senegal’s language landscape.

Arabic, while widely spoken by some communities, has never been considered for official language status.

The Senegalese government has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting both Wolof and French as official languages.

In fact, the country’s constitution explicitly states that “Wolof and French are the official languages of the Republic of Senegal.”

There has been no announcement, decree, or constitutional amendment indicating a change in this policy.

It is crucial to note that Senegal is a multilingual country, with over 30 languages spoken nationwide.

While Arabic is indeed spoken by some communities, particularly in the north and northeast regions, it is not a widely spoken language across the country.

Wolof, on the other hand, is the most widely spoken language, with French serving as a lingua franca for official purposes, education, and international communication.

Senegal has not abandoned French as its official language, nor has it adopted Arabic.