VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Lingvano, a start-up sign language learning app, is thrilled to announce they have reached 2.5 million learners. The platform offers an engaging method to learn sign languages, enhancing communication between Deaf and hearing communities.
“This milestone is especially meaningful,” said Gabriel Kwakyi, Lingvano’s CEO. “It’s important to bring attention to the fact that there are many people who struggle to communicate with their own family, friends, and neighbors. Reaching 2.5 million registered learners represents a big win in breaking down these communication barriers. We’re very excited about this milestone and incredibly proud of our learners’ dedication to gaining knowledge, applying it, and making the world more inclusive.”
With an estimated 11 million individuals in the United States identifying as Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Lingvano provides a way to help build connections. The majority of Lingvano learners are not Deaf, but rather hearing people that are interested in sign languages. While many aim to communicate with Deaf community members, over half of learners don’t know anyone who is Deaf. They are motivated to learn out of curiosity or a desire to be more inclusive. Some key features of Lingvano’s learning platform include:
- Expertise: All lessons are taught by passionate teachers who are Deaf and fluent in the sign languages they teach.
- Offerings: There are hundreds of different sign languages, but Lingvano currently focuses on teaching American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL) and Austrian Sign Language (OEGS).
- Structure: Lessons are designed as bite-sized units that can be completed from anywhere in approximately 10 minutes.
- Gamification: Features, such as “streaks”, are used to boost motivation and encourage habit formation.
- Resources: A subscription gives access to an online dictionary that can be used to improve vocabulary.
Lingvano GmbH was founded in 2018 and is entirely self-funded. They generate income from a subscription-based business model, enabling them to deliver lessons without interruptions from ads. In 2022, Lingvano had only 500,000 learners, illustrating its rapid growth and the increasing popularity of sign language learning. Today, their international team is composed of hearing, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf employees, reflecting a commitment to diversity.
With plans to add live learning formats and diversify their sign language offerings, Lingvano continues to innovate and expand its impact. The company aims to reach more learners, furthering its mission of creating a world in which Deaf and hearing people can communicate without barriers.
To try learning sign language with Lingvano, visit: https://www.lingvano.com/asl/
About Lingvano GmbH
Lingvano GmbH is a Vienna-based startup dedicated to bridging communication gaps between Deaf and hearing people through its innovative sign language learning platform, available as a mobile app or online. Founded in 2018, Lingvano provides an accessible, engaging, and effective way to learn sign languages, fostering inclusivity and understanding across diverse communities.
