Wisdom Dictionary: A new era in language learning

Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem is steadily developing, with technological innovations actively entering the education sector. Wisdom English-Uzbek Dictionary is one of the key projects in this field, providing precise, reliable, and intuitive translation capabilities between English and Uzbek. This platform allows users not only to translate words but also to deeply explore their contextual usage, synonyms and antonyms, and grammatical nuances. We spoke with Hasan Abdullah, the co-founder of Wisdom Dictionary, about the inspiration behind the platform, the challenges faced, and future plans.

— First, could you tell us about yourself and the history of the startup?

— My brother Husanboy and I, Hasanboy Abdullayev, are the co-founders of Wisdom Dictionary. We are among the first graduates of MDIST Institute in Tashkent. In 2014, we founded Wisdom Learning Center in Andijan, and today, we operate three learning centers and three English language preschools under the “Kiddom” brand.

For over 10 years, we have been teaching English language learners, and during this time, we identified a major problem – learners struggled not just with translations but with effectively using words in context. Initially, we decided to create a printed dictionary, which we published in 2016. However, as technology advanced, we realized the necessity of a digital dictionary, so we transitioned the project into an online platform.

— What were the biggest challenges in launching the startup?

— The biggest challenge was accurately translating over 120,000 words and phrases from international dictionaries such as Oxford, McMillan, Longman, and Cambridge into Uzbek, a process that took over three years.

The next challenge was translating words from Uzbek to English. This could have taken another 2-3 years, but we found an innovative solution. Instead of manually translating each word, we integrated a search function that links Uzbek words to their English equivalents based on our existing translations. As a result, we created a much more effective Uzbek-English dictionary compared to existing alternatives.

— What is the primary purpose of the platform, and what advantages does it offer users?

— Wisdom Dictionary is not just a dictionary; it is a comprehensive ecosystem for learning English. Users can expand their vocabulary, practice grammar, listening, and speaking, and improve their skills through interactive games and challenges.

— How does Wisdom Dictionary differ from other online dictionaries?

— Unlike most dictionaries that only provide word translations, Wisdom Dictionary integrates social networking features, offering:

• Gamified vocabulary-building exercises related to English learning.
• Chat functions and discussion groups for practicing language skills.
• Rankings and challenges to motivate users.

— How many words and phrases does the platform currently offer?

— We have over 120,000 words and phrases, and we continuously update our database with new word entries published by Oxford annually.

— What new features are planned for the future?

— Soon, users will be able to upload English learning reels and stories in an Instagram-style format. This will merge language learning with social networking, making the process more engaging and interactive.

— What is Wisdom Dictionary’s business model?

— We operate on a subscription-based and ad-supported model.

— Has the startup secured any investments?

— Yes, we are currently in the process of securing investments from Startup Garage and IT Park to accelerate our growth.

— Are there plans to expand into the global market?

— Yes, our initial goal is to solidify our presence in Uzbekistan, and once we refine the platform, we plan to expand into international markets by adding support for multiple languages.

— Who are the main competitors of Wisdom Dictionary?

— Our primary competitors are Duolingo, Lingodeer, Busuu, and AI-powered language learning platforms.

— What strategies are in place to grow the user base?

• Expanding our audience through digital marketing and influencer collaborations.
• Encouraging social learning by allowing users to study English with friends in groups.
• Rewarding users who invite friends with in-app bonuses and perks.

— What technological advancements are planned for the next 1-5 years?

— We are developing a personalized AI tutor that will provide customized lessons based on a user’s learning pace, interests, and available time. This feature will revolutionize language learning by offering an adaptive and highly personalized experience.

— What are your thoughts on Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem?

— The Uzbek startup market is still in its early stages. Securing investments remains a challenge, and local startups need more institutional support. In developed markets, investors actively seek out promising projects, whereas here, entrepreneurs must work hard to attract funding.

— What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

1. Discuss your idea with industry experts. 
2. Identify your competitive advantage. 
3. Ensure your startup has financial viability.
4.  Disrupt your own business before competitors do. 

Author: Feruza Askaraliyeva