53 Philippine languages. Works without internet.

Naimbag a bigat. Record a language.

“Good morning” in Ilocano, Ilocos Region

Lingua is an offline-first dictionary and learning app for the indigenous and regional languages of the Philippines. Browse words and stories, practice with flashcards, chat with an AI that runs on your phone and add your own voice to the record.

The app is in close beta now.

The Lingua app home screen, showing 60 languages, 610 words, and 1901 users, with a searchable list of Philippine languages and their status.
53Languages in Lingua
450+Words and stories included
3Regions: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao
100%Of main features work without internet
What Lingua does

A dictionary that works on your phone, not on a server

The full dictionary downloads to your device the first time you open the app. After that, all main features work without a network signal.

Dictionary without internet

Each word entry has pronunciation, Filipino and English translations, example sentences, and cultural notes. You can view this data for every language without internet.

Add words and recordings

You can add words, translations, and pronunciation recordings. You can also register a language that is not on the list. The app saves this data on your device first.

AI chat on your device

Download a small AI model one time. Then you can chat about any language in the app. The AI program runs on your phone and answers from the dictionary data.

Flashcards and speech

You can practice with flashcards made from real dictionary entries. You can also hear words and phrases spoken aloud.

Community review

You can confirm or flag dictionary entries. This keeps the dictionary correct. You must agree before the app publishes your entries to the community. This choice is always yours.

Optional account sync

You can sign in with Apple or Google. This backs up your contributions and favorites and syncs them across your devices. You do not need an account to use the app.

The language list

Languages from all regions of the Philippines.

This list shows a sample of the 53 languages in Lingua. Each language has a status. The status shows how much the language needs help.

Ilocano Kapampangan Bikol Waray Pangasinan Tausug Maranao Maguindanaon Ivatan Ifugao Kalinga Bontoc Yakan Aklanon Surigaonon Manobo Arta Ratagnon Isinay Ibaloi Batak Ilongot Tadyawan Alangan and 29 more languages
Active: many people speak this language. Growing: the community is adding data for this language now. Critical: only a few speakers remain.
Some of these languages have only a small number of elder speakers. Each saved word, each recorded story, and each saved voice recording helps the next generation learn the language.

Anyone can do this work with Lingua. You do not need a linguistics degree. You do not need an internet connection. You do not need an account.

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lingua work without internet?
Yes. The app includes the full dictionary: languages, words, stories, and community entries. The app stores this data on your device the first time you open it. You can browse, search, use flashcards, add entries, and chat without a connection. You need internet only to download the optional AI model, sync your account, or open outside news links.
How does the AI chat on my device work?
Open the Learn tab. Download the small AI model one time. The model is about 500 megabytes. After the download, the AI chat runs only on your phone. The AI gives answers from the dictionary of the language you selected. If you do not download the model, a simpler offline assistant answers from dictionary data only.
Do I need an account?
No. All features work without an account. You can sign in with Apple or Google. This is optional. It backs up your contributions and favorites and syncs them across your devices.
Why does the app ask for microphone access?
The app uses the microphone only to record pronunciation clips. You choose which clips to add to the dictionary. The app stores recordings on your device. The app shares a recording with the community only after you publish it. If you deny microphone access, the other features still work.
Who sees my contributions?
By default, nobody sees your contributions. Words, recordings, and stories that you add stay on your device. Publishing to the community is a separate step. The app shows a consent notice before you publish. You choose how the app credits your name.
How do I delete my data?
To delete data on your device, delete the app. If you made a sync account, go to Profile, then Settings. Sign out and request account deletion there. You can also email us. We will then remove your synced data.
My language is not on the list. Can I add it?
Yes. Lingua is designed for this. Open the Home tab. Select the add button. Register the language with its region and province. Then add words and recordings for the language. A new language starts with critical status. The status improves as the community adds more data.