Linguistic Resistance in the Murid Speech Community in Senegal

Abstract

The Murids form a community in which Islamic beliefs, linguistic behaviours, and patterns of conduct are associated with resistance against colonialism. The use of European-like linguistic or behavioural characteristics (especially French) are disapproved of in the community as they are equated with imperialism, while the use of pure Wolof or Wolof with Arabic influence are highly desired as they represent symbols of belonging to the community. This paper examines the religious and linguistic behaviour of the Murid brotherhood in Touba, Senegal. It argues that the patterns of behaviour found in the community are idiosyncratic of the brotherhood, and set apart Murids from other religious groups. First, this study discusses the history of French colonisation in Senegal, and underscores the ideological, political, and economic motives used to justify colonisation. Second, the paper examines the birth context of Muridism, and shows how Murid practices and way of life have been used as means of anti-colonial resistance and assertion of Murid African identity. Finally, the paper argues that, unlike other forms of resistance against French assimilation and domination in Africa, Muridism represents one of the few non-violent resistance movements, which have survived the sundry traps of the French colonial authority in sub-Saharan Africa.

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