Luhya Language Dictionary

A comprehensive web-based bilingual dictionary application for the Luhya language, focusing on academic verification and cultural preservation.

Features

• Bilingual dictionary (Luhya-English)
• Multiple dialect support (currently focusing on Luwanga)
• User authentication with role-based access
• Academic verification system
• Comprehensive word entries including:
  • Part of speech
  • Usage examples
  • Cultural notes
  • Dialectal variations
  • Source attribution

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

git clone [repository-url]
cd luhya_dictionary

2. Create and activate a virtual environment:

python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

3. Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Initialize the database:

python src/seed_database.py

5. Run the application:

python src/app.py

The application will be available at http://localhost:5000

User Roles

1. Admin

   • Verify language experts
   • Approve dictionary entries
   • Manage user roles

2. Verified Language Expert

   • Add new words
   • Edit existing entries
   • Provide cultural context

3. Unverified User

   • Browse dictionary
   • Search words
   • Register as language expert

Project Structure

luhya_dictionary/
├── documents/                # Documentation and source files
│   └── Luhya_words.txt      # Source dictionary data
├── src/                     # Source code
│   ├── app.py              # Main application file
│   ├── models.py           # Database models
│   ├── forms.py            # Form definitions
│   ├── database.py         # Database configuration
│   └── templates/          # HTML templates
├── requirements.txt         # Python dependencies
└── README.md               # Project documentation

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Submit a pull request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Based on Appleby's 1943 Luhya-English Vocabulary
• Luwanga dialect translations by Alfred Anangwe (2006)
• Electronic version preparation by Michael Marlo with assistance from University of Michigan students