A former Dzaleka resident is building KibembeLingua

Rodrick Mzaliwa once lived in Dzaleka. He now lives outside Malawi and is building KibembeLingua, a website he created to document, preserve and teach Kibembe.

The project is being developed as a community-led language hub. It combines an online dictionary, learning tools, audio and contributions from users. Speakers can submit words, phrases and recordings; learners can browse vocabulary and use the activities on the site.

A place to contribute

KibembeLingua includes vocabulary activities, flashcards, quizzes, number translation and listening exercises. Mzaliwa’s aim is to give Kibembe speakers and younger generations a place to learn and contribute material.

The project has grown from Mzaliwa’s connection to language and culture. He says it is for people separated by migration who want to stay connected to Kibembe.

Audio recordings can capture pronunciation. Stories and phrases can record how words are used. The contribution model allows speakers to add to the collection over time.

KibembeLingua is at kibembe.com. Kibembe speakers can explore the site and submit an entry.