The Desi Dictionary: Language Learning Tools to Connect South Asian Families

The Desi Dictionary is a cultural movement dedicated to preserving and sharing South Asian languages. Born from a personal mission initially to help the founder’s nephew connect with his heritage, it has evolved into a community-driven platform serving the entire South Asian diaspora.

More than just a language learning tool, it offers accessible, practical, and non-judgmental resources. The core goal is to foster an inclusive space where the focus
is on connection, confidence, and real-life usage, rather than the pursuit of linguistic perfection.

By celebrating words, phrases, and cultural stories, The Desi Dictionary brings generations together and inspires pride in South Asian roots. It empowers learners to embrace their identity while building meaningful connections within their communities.

📚Fast Facts

Category	Details
Name	The Desi Dictionary
Location	London, UK
Focus	Accessible South Asian language resources
Key Offerings	First-words books, upcoming phrasebooks
Target Audience	South Asian diaspora, mixed-language households, parents, children, and learners of all ages
Founder’s Vision	To provide pressure-free, real-world language learning without the fear of making mistakes
Platforms	Instagram . Facebook . Website

📖The Story Behind The Desi Dictionary

The Desi Dictionary was founded by Tanvee Manjure with a simple yet powerful idea; to provide South Asian families with a way to reconnect with their languages and culture. Founded by someone who grew up speaking but not reading or writing their mother tongue,The project began with a personal goal – helping a nephew grow up hearing and using family languages naturally at home.

The need for accessible resources quickly became apparent. While many families spoke their languages, reading or writing them felt like an unbeatable challenge. Existing language materials were either too academic or disconnected from real life, creating a gap that The Desi Dictionary sought to fill.

With the vision to build something relatable and inclusive, the brand launched simple, familiar first-words books using English – Script conversion. What started as a solution for one child soon became a resource for families across the South Asian diaspora. The Desi Dictionary aims to make language learning effortless, fun, and free of judgment.

🔊Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi & Punjabi Phrasebooks with Audio—What Families Should Know

The Desi Dictionary has announced that, following the success of the first-words books, we now offer four languages available for preorder in the UK.

These phrasebooks, aimed at all ages and anyone wanting to learn, are designed in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Punjabi with English transliteration for ease of learning. They will also feature audio versions to support pronunciation and real-life usage.

Available on Amazon in February 2026, these books will be accessible in the US, Australia, Canada, and Europe, making it easier than ever for South Asian communities worldwide to reconnect with their languages and culture.

🛠️Practical, Everyday Language Learning Tools

1. First-Words Books: These early-learning books are designed with real-life, everyday vocabulary, written in English-script transliteration. Tailored for children and families, they help learners connect with their heritage without the need for formal language education.
2. Upcoming Phrasebooks for All Ages: The Desi Dictionary’s future offerings include phrasebooks designed for all ages. These phrasebooks are crafted for everyday conversations, making them an essential tool for children, teens, and adults looking to integrate language into daily life.

🌟Proof in the Praise:

Across households and communities, families and learners are exploring The Desi Dictionary—and discovering it genuinely helpful in connecting with language and culture.

“I discovered The Desi Dictionary at a work Diwali event and thought it was such a great idea. I bought the Gujarati one for my niece. The English transliteration makes it easy even for non-Gujarati readers, and I especially liked the time and day section. I’d highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn commonly used words.”
— Sachin

“An awesome book—really well made, with clear images and easy-to-read text. It’s engaging and simple to follow. I also loved the story behind how it all came together.”
— Kajal

❤️More Than Just a Language Resource: A Family-Centered Mission

The Desi Dictionary is not just a business; it’s an extension of the founder’s own experiences growing up between cultures. The products are designed with a deep understanding of what it’s like to navigate life in a mixed-language household. Each product is crafted to meet the needs of families, ensuring that no one feels left out or pressured to be fluent.

The team behind the business is small but passionate. They believe that language is about connection, not perfection. Every decision, from product design to customer service, is driven by the desire to make South Asian languages accessible, relatable, and stress-free for future generations.

🌉Bridging Generations: Tradition Meets Innovation

The Desi Dictionary combines the rich, centuries-old traditions of South Asian languages with modern tools designed for today’s world. By focusing on English-script transliteration and creating resources that speak to real-life, practical use, The Desi Dictionary makes learning a language feel natural and intuitive.

In a world where language is often a source of division, The Desi Dictionary stands as a beacon for connection. It helps families and individuals preserve their cultural heritage in a way that feels authentic and relevant.

🌿Reignite Your Connection to Your Roots – Start Learning Today

For families looking to reconnect with language and culture, The Desi Dictionary presents an easy, practical entry point. Designed for both adults and younger learners, it offers a more accessible way to begin or return to language learning.

📱Follow Them

🕒 Hours: Available online 24/7
🌐 Website: The Desi Dictionary
📱 Instagram: @thedesidictionary_

🔗 Explore More Local Business Stories

One story behind — your next local favorite is just a scroll away. Dive into the world of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers driving innovation in your community at TINDS.com ✨