Help Us Build the Most Powerful Online Bemba-English Dictionary
Dr Chishimba M. Lumbwe, a lover of the Bemba language, assembled a team of people who love the language to work on The Online Bemba-English Dictionary (OBED), and now it is almost ready for public launch — and before we open it fully, we are inviting a small group of dedicated beta testers to help us refine it.
This is not just about clicking around.
This is about helping build a serious language tool that will serve:
- Students
- Teachers
- Researchers
- Zambians in the diaspora
- Anyone learning Bemba
- Anyone preserving our linguistic heritage
If you care about Bemba language development, this is your opportunity to contribute directly.
What is OBED?
OBED is a FREE, Non-profit, structured, searchable, digital Bemba-English dictionary designed to:
- Provide accurate Bemba meanings
- Show plural forms where applicable
- Include grammatical designations
- Offer example sentences
- Preserve traditional and figurative usage
- Support future expansion into audio and learning tools
This is not a basic word list.
We are building a serious linguistic resource.
And serious tools need real users to test them.
What We Need From Beta Testers
We want honest, detailed feedback — not praise.
When you use OBED, please tell us:
- 🔎 Did the search work correctly?
- 📚 Is the meaning accurate?
- 📝 Are examples helpful?
- ❓ Is anything confusing?
- 🐞 Did you find errors or bugs?
- 💡 What feature would improve it?
The comment button is on-the main dictionary page. where you can leave your feedback.
Be specific.
If something is wrong — say it clearly.
If something is unclear — explain why.
This project will only improve through direct, constructive criticism.
Who Should Join?
You’re ideal if you are:
- A Bemba speaker
- A Bemba learner
- A teacher
- A linguistics enthusiast
- Someone passionate about preserving African languages
- Someone willing to test seriously (not casually browse)
If you are looking to “just try it out for fun,” this isn’t for you.
We need builders.
Why This Matters
Languages disappear when they are not structured, digitized, and made accessible.
Bemba deserves:
- A modern digital presence
- Reliable reference tools
- Structured educational resources
- Global accessibility
OBED is one step toward that.
And you can shape it before it becomes permanent.
How to Participate
- Visit the OBED website (Click HERE).
- Use it thoroughly.
- Test multiple words.
- Try to “break” it.
- Leave detailed feedback in the comments below.
That’s it.
This Is the Beginning
Beta testing will run for a limited period.
The most constructive contributors may be acknowledged publicly when OBED officially launches.
If you believe in building long-term cultural infrastructure — not just consuming content — join us.
Let’s build this properly.
Check it out here: OBED (Click on this link)
—
KitweOnline.com
Rooted in Heritage. Growing Through Innovation.
