How to Pronounce Dakar

Meaning and Context

Dakar is the capital city of Senegal, a major West African economic and cultural hub situated on the Cape Verde Peninsula on the Atlantic coast. Founded as a French colonial outpost in the 19th century, Dakar has grown into a bustling metropolis renowned for its vibrant markets like Sandaga, historical landmarks such as the African Renaissance Monument and the House of Slaves on Gorée Island, and its role as a primary port and financial center. The city is a focal point for the Dakar Rally, a world-famous off-road endurance race, and hosts prestigious institutions like the Cheikh Anta Diop University. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, Dakar's unique blend of Wolof traditions, French colonial architecture, and dynamic arts scene, particularly in music and fashion, makes it a premier destination for tourism in Senegal and a critical gateway for trade and diplomacy in the region.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The spelling "Dakar" is standardized and almost universally used in English and French, with no legitimate alternative spellings. Common errors typically involve simple typographical mistakes, such as "Daker," "Dakkar," or "Dakhar." Another frequent error is the misplacement of the accent, as in "Dakár," which is incorrect as the city's name carries no accent in its standard orthography. Confusion sometimes arises with the name of the Dakar Rally, leading to the compound misspelling "DakarRally" without a space. When searching, users should be mindful that the correct term is the single, unaccented word "Dakar" to find accurate information about the Senegalese capital.

Example Sentences

After a morning exploring the vibrant fabrics at the Marché Kermel, we watched the sunset over the Atlantic from the cliffs of the Mamelles lighthouse in Dakar.

The city's strategic location has made the Port of Dakar one of the busiest and most important maritime facilities in West Africa.

Many historians visit Gorée Island, a short ferry ride from Dakar, to reflect at the House of Slaves and its "Door of No Return.

" The vibrant sounds of mbalax music, pioneered by artists like Youssou N'Dour, spill from clubs and cafes across the city every night.

Although the famed Dakar Rally now takes place in Saudi Arabia, its name forever links the competition to its original starting point in this Senegalese capital.

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