Kifuliiru Lab - Preserving Our Language Through Innovation
A specialized language preservation laboratory under Wekify LLC, focused on preserving and revitalizing the Kifuliiru language through computational methods and community engagement.
Founded 2025
Led by Ayivugwe Kabemba Mukome
What is Kifuliiru Lab?
A specialized language preservation laboratory under Wekify LLC, focused on preserving and revitalizing the Kifuliiru language through computational methods and community engagement.
Founded and led by Ayivugwe Kabemba Mukome, a native Kifuliiru speaker and member of the Bafuliiru people.
"Kifuliiru kigayamaho" — "Kifuliiru will shine"
This traditional saying reflects the community's hope and determination to preserve their language and cultural identity.
The Language & People
- Language:Kifuliiru
- People:Bafuliiru (Abafuliiru)
- Homeland:Ibufuliiru, Uvira Territory, South Kivu, DRC
- Status:Severely under-resourced with minimal written documentation
Impact & Achievements
Since our founding in 2025, Kifuliiru Lab has made significant progress in language preservation.
Core Mission
Preserve and revitalize Kifuliiru by generating educational content at scale using template-based computational methods, validated by the Bafuliiru community to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural authenticity.
The Challenge
- Limited written documentation
- Vulnerability to language shift
- Need for comprehensive educational materials
- Digital divide in language learning resources
- Pressure from dominant languages (French, English)
The Methodology
Template-based content generation with community validation
Template-Based Generation
Mathematical formulas and linguistic templates generate educational content systematically
Community Validation
Native speakers verify linguistic accuracy; elders validate cultural authenticity
Multi-Stage Review
Native speaker verification, elder cultural validation, and pedagogical review
Scalable Framework
Designed to be replicated for other endangered languages worldwide
Digital Ecosystem
The lab has built 12+ interconnected platforms serving different aspects of language preservation and community engagement.
Learning & Education
Community & Engagement
Content & Media
Research Focus
Primary Research Question
Can template-based computational generation produce authentic, pedagogically-sound educational content for severely under-resourced languages with minimal existing written materials?
Current Work
- Template-based content generation across multiple domains
- Digital platform development and maintenance
- Data generation and corpus development
- Community-centered validation frameworks
Future Directions
- Natural Language Processing tools for Kifuliiru
- Machine Learning and AI systems
- Advanced computational linguistics research
- Development of Kifuliiru AI systems
Cultural Significance
What We Preserve
- Traditional knowledge systems (agriculture, medicine, environmental knowledge)
- Oral traditions (folktales, proverbs, songs, ritual language)
- Cultural identity and community belonging
- Unique ways of understanding the world
Our Philosophy
The lab combines computational methods with community-centered validation, ensuring that technology serves cultural preservation rather than replacing traditional knowledge.
All work is done in partnership with the Bafuliiru community, respecting cultural protocols and ensuring community ownership of the preservation process.
Contact & Collaboration
Interested in partnering with Kifuliiru Lab or learning more about our methodology? We welcome collaborations and inquiries.