"Language is the soul of culture. Culture is the soul of language."

Hey there! I'm Michael Jaroya,creator of Lughayangu.

Why Lughayangu?

It all started with my own journey to learn Gĩkũyũ. I was looking for a reliable resource online but couldn't find one that clicked with me. So, I thought, "Why not create one myself?"

What really got me going was realizing that many African languages are at risk of disappearing. With globalization and the growing use of foreign languages, we're losing precious parts of our heritage. That's something I wanted to change.

What's in a name?

"Lughayangu" comes from two Swahili words: "Lugha" (language) and "Yangu" (mine).

It's more than just a name. It's a call to action. We want every African to be proud of their language and share their stories with the world.

What's Lughayangu all about?

Think of Lughayangu as your go-to spot for everything African languages, cultures, and history. I started this journey in late 2019, and in May 2021, Stephany Achieng' joined as my co-founder.

Here's what you'll find here:

  • A community-driven dictionary for African languages
  • Interactive lessons and exercises to master African languages
  • Today in History - dive into Africa's rich past
  • A newsletter packed with stories about African culture, languages, and people
  • A holiday calendar for African countries
  • Fun stuff like Trivia, Riddles, Proverbs, and Tongue Twisters

Best part? Our dictionary is built by the community. If you speak an African language, you can help keep it alive by adding words and meanings.

For Businesses

We're not just about preserving languages - we're also helping businesses connect with African audiences in their own languages.

Need to translate your content into African languages? We offer professional translation services for:

  • Documents and business materials
  • Subtitles and voiceovers
  • Website and app localization
  • Interpretation services

Our translators are native speakers who understand both the language and cultural nuances, ensuring your message resonates authentically with African audiences.

Ready to expand your reach? Check out our translation services.

Why should you care?

Every day, new words shape our world - from artificial intelligence to blockchain, from climate change to social media. While languages like English grow and adapt, what about African languages?

If not you, who will keep our languages alive?

If not now, when will we start?

If not here, where will it happen?

These are our languages. This is our responsibility.

Join the thousands of native speakers who are already making history. Every definition you add, every phrase you explain, becomes your legacy in keeping African languages vibrant and relevant.

Jump in! Add definitions in your mother tongue. Every word you add helps preserve our cultural heritage while preparing it for the future.

Want to do more? Whether you want to become a sponsor, provide recordings, share written materials, or suggest improvements, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at Ongeanasi.

Together, we can make sure African languages and cultures thrive for generations to come. Let's do this!