Ousmane was born in Ziguinchor, a dense multi-lingual area of Senegal. Thanks to its linguistic diversity, he was able to speak the most influential languages as he was growing up such (Wolof, Mandinka); which eventually triggered his eagerness to learn more about languages. Ousmane graduated from Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis with a master’s degree in Linguistics (Phonology/Sociolinguistics) and was granted a Fulbright scholarship by U.S. State Government to further his studies in the US. He got his second master’s degree in Linguistics (Syntax/Phonology) from Eastern Michigan University. He is currently pursuing Doctoral studies at BU in the Linguistic Department. He is also teaching Mandinka as a Senior Teaching Fellow at the African Studies Center, and he is currently working on a Mandinka Ajami project at the university.