We're Paul, Joana, Kolten, and Ariana Spies. Us boys are from Missouri, while Joana grew up in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Together, we're raising our daughter, Ariana, in the United States, in a family connected by two cultures and two languages.
In October 2022, my son Kolten and I traveled to the Philippines. It was an unforgettable experience, but something quickly became clear: I couldn't speak the language of the people around me.
Whether riding on the back of a motorcycle or sitting with Joana's family, I often felt like an outsider. I wanted to join the conversations, share a laugh, and connect with my extended family without always needing someone to translate.
When Joana moved to the United States, I became even more determined to learn Bisaya. But finding the right tools wasn't easy. Most language-learning apps focused on popular languages, while languages like Bisaya were often overlooked.
So I decided to build something myself.
What started as a personal project became something even more meaningful when our daughter Ariana was born.
I want both Kolten and Ariana to grow up speaking English and Bisaya. I want them to talk with their relatives in the Philippines, share stories with their cousins, and feel connected to both sides of their family.
Because learning a language isn't just about remembering words. It's about connecting with people.
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18–20 (KJV)
Inspired by the spirit of reaching people across nations and cultures, we created MyWika to help break down language barriers.
Whether you're learning to communicate with family, exploring another culture, preserving a lesser-known language, or serving as a missionary or missionary family, MyWika is being built to help people connect through language.
Most language-learning apps focus on the world's most popular languages. But what about the hundreds of languages that rarely receive the same attention?
MyWika began with a simple idea: Give people the freedom to learn the language they want, in the way that works best for them.
Create your own flashcards, learn individual words or complete sentences, and build personalized collections that match your goals.
Our vision goes beyond flashcards.
We're working toward a community where language learners can create and share learning packs, exchange knowledge, connect with others, and celebrate their progress.
From someone learning their first foreign word to an experienced polyglot, we want MyWika to be a place where everyone can learn and contribute.
Because languages are meant to be shared, not learned in isolation.
Free. No ads. Works offline.
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