Empowering the Preservation of Semitic Alphabets and Native Tongues

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The Language Initiative for Semitic Languages and Native Tongues (LISAN), aims to bring together passionate individuals who believe that language is the key to cultural identity and heritage. Founded in Ottawa with a mission to preserve and promote Semitic alphabets and native tongues, our organization is dedicated to creating an inclusive educational environment that fosters learning and understanding of these rich linguistic heritages.

LISAN is a non-profit initiative aiming to make Semitic languages accessible to all. Based in Ottawa Canada, its aim is to reach all learners globally.

There is an estimated 330 million to over 500 million speakers of Semitic languages in the world. The vast majority of this population speaks Arabic. Other major Semitic languages that contribute significantly to this total include: Amharic (Ethiopia, with tens of millions of speakers), Tigrinya (Eritrea and Ethiopia), Hebrew (Israel), Tigre (Eritrea & Sudan), Maltese (Malta)

The initiative prioritizes languages with a large speaker base but which are not developed enough to enable speakers pursue higher education in that language. It develops and preserves scientific, technological, artistic and financial terms thereby enriching the languages and the speakers' experience and enable institutions reach these communities in their languages


We aim to engage with students, educators, and linguistic enthusiasts alike, providing a platform for immersive learning experiences through workshops, courses, and community events. Our goal is simple yet profound: to empower individuals and communities by ensuring the survival and thriving of languages that are integral to their cultural identity.

With a team of volunteers, we work tirelessly to develop innovative language preservation programs that make learning accessible and engaging for everyone. We recognize the vibrant diversity within our community, and our personalized approach celebrates not only the beauty of Semitic languages but also the unique stories and traditions they carry.

Join us in our mission to inspire a love for language and cultural heritage. Together, we can promote language education that enriches lives and nurtures our collective history.

Discover Our Commitment to Semitic Languages and Alphabets Education

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Comprehensive Language Preservation Programs

Our tailored programs focus on preserving Semitic languages through immersive teaching methods, ensuring cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.

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Engaging Learning Initiatives

We offer innovative learning initiatives that promote the importance of native tongues, fostering community involvement and cultural appreciation.

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Diverse Educational Services in Ottawa

Our Ottawa-based services provide a range of language courses designed for students, educators, and anyone passionate about Semitic languages and cultural exchange.

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Collaborative Learning Environments

We create inclusive classrooms where students engage with diverse linguistic resources, promoting interaction and collaboration in language learning.

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Volunteer Educators and Linguists

Our team consists of volunteers engaged in various professions who are dedicated to providing quality instruction and supporting students in their language journeys.

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Community Engagement and Events

We host workshops and community events that celebrate Semitic languages, creating vibrant spaces for learning and cultural sharing.

Donor Information

We aim to work with a short list of private donors and are not accepting public donations at this time.