Without complexity

Although doubts have accompanied the publication of the first books, these were quickly replaced with fascination and enthusiasm.

“The first reaction of people when they learn about our imprint is to ask, ’Why publish books in Wolof?’ Most people are far from thinking that all languages are equal. But, in the end, the ’why’ quickly becomes a ’why not.’ And this is a great victory,” explained Diop to the French magazine Le Point Afrique.

Leroy sees behind the imprint an essential quest for equality: “With time, the idea [of publishing in Wolof] gradually made its way. It is also part of our objectives that such an undertaking is not taken as an incongruity but as something obvious,” she told Chinafrica. For Ibrahima Wane, African Civilizations and Literature Professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Diop’s resolve to write and publish in Wolof means “the only mode of expression that the writer considers appropriate is his mother tongue.” This naturally leads to the affirmation of African languages as a way to create a literature, a more broadly a culture, that is autonomous, says Wane. It therefore has implications that goes beyond the realm of literature.

Alhassane Diop, President of the Association of Senegalese Students in China and avid connoisseur of African literature, welcomes this initiative and believes that Wolof will occupy an increasingly important place in cementing the country’s future development.

“The Wolof is the lingua franca of Senegal. In addition, the Wolof ethnic group is a historical blend of all the ethnic groups of the ancient kingdoms that coexisted on the Senegalese plains,” he told Chinafrica. In other words, this imbrication has made [the Wolof language] a means of communication and national cohesion, and even of eradication of illiteracy.”

It is to this vision that Céytu seeks, in its own modest way, to contribute. Comments to francoisdube@chinafrica.cn