iVolavosa App is a digital iTaukei dictionary app designed as an educational resource. It is designed to support language learning, teaching and cultural preservation, serving students, educators, researchers, the iTaukei diaspora and anyone interested in the Fijian language.

Overview

Launched in 2018 through a collaboration between the iTaukei Trust Fund and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the iVolavosa App transforms the printed iVolavosa Dictionary into a dynamic, interactive mobile application. It features a comprehensive 25,000-word dictionary, over 18,979 audio headwords, as well as supporting images and links that enhance the learning experience.

This app aims to include more developments or updates to meet the rapid growth in technology and tackle the ever-growing demands of interested Fijian language learners. The app continues to evolve, with ongoing updates to include images and resources on marine species, plants, animals, cultural artifacts and more, ensuring its relevance in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

The iVolavosa App aims to be interactive and engaging. It is designed for educational purposes to cater to the needs of language users locally, most importantly the iTaukei diaspora communities and other interested learners.

Key Features

The app has multiple features and functionality which are as follows:

• Dictionary – This is the central part of the app. Which includes the following features:
  • List of words – Provides the list of iTaukei words with clear, detailed explanations and real-world examples.
  • Show by category (Alphabet) – Allows users to view the word categories by their letters.
  • Word comment – Allows users to comment on each word. Providing their comments and recommendations. However, these comments will only be displayed to users upon approval.
  • Request for inclusion – Allows users to request the inclusion/addition of their descriptions/details with the word. This allows users to provide additional suggestions based on the word content already available.
  • Audio Pronunciations – Hear words pronounced in iTaukei accents.
  • Videos – Enhances word learning with illustrative example videos. Each video is carefully designed to show the word used in contextual situations, making it easier for users to visualise the meaning of the word and its parts of speech.
• Common parse – This includes the Fijian parse together with its English translator parses and any image for illustration examples. It also allows users to search for parses, bookmark their favorites parse, get and view details of Related words and audio and share common parses.
• Search – Search for headword, list of words, news or common parse with both English and Fijian keywords. You can search for materials based on:
  • Word
  • Headword
  • Category
  • Common parse
  • Common parse category
• Word of the Day – Learn a new word every day
• Extra – this contains extra content
  • Calendar – The Fijian calendar is based on planting and fishing seasons. Unlike the ordinary calendar year, which is divided into 12 months, the Fijian calendar is divided into 11 months. The months are named for the different planting and fishing seasons.
  • Idioms – Common Fijian idioms, which include the phrases, sayings or groups of words that have metaphorical meaning, which have become accepted in common usage in the Fijian language.
  • Number – Fijian numbers.
  • More content – to be included in the future.
• Authentication – Allows full access to the app features, allowing users to bookmark a word more effectively and commonly parse or add their notes to it. Users can also use the app without logging in or creating an account, but some features are restricted.
• Request for translation – Users can submit words or phrases that they want to be translated into the Fijian language. This feature makes it easy for people to learn everyday expressions, communicate more effectively or simply explore the richness of the Fijian language.”
• Bookmark – Users can now bookmark their favourite common phrases for reference and offline viewing. This allows users to quickly access phrases they find useful without searching each time. Bookmarked phrases can also be organised into personalised lists or categories for easier navigation and study.
• Language Translator – The app supports both Fijian and English translations for all menus, titles and descriptions. This ensures that users can navigate the app comfortably in their preferred language and fully understand the content. Users can easily switch between languages, making the app accessible to a wider audience.
• Share – Share word and common parse explanations with friends and family.
• Stories – users can share stories similar to the WhatsApp app. The story can include either images or videos.
• News – Stay updated with the latest app updates, events, news and educational content.
• Frequently Asked Questions – Quick answers to common questions based on the different categories.
• Feedback – Provide your experiences and feedback about the app.
• Help Centre – This includes feedback options, a word helper, FAQs and video tutorials that provide further guidance on how to use the app.
• About the app – View the app information.
• Rate and share the app.

Privacy Policy

For details about how the app collects, uses and protects information, please view the Privacy Policy from this link. The Privacy Policy contains complete information on data usage, security, third-party sharing and your rights as a user.

Support

If you experience any issues while using the app, or if you have questions or feedback, our support team is here to assist you. Please contact at mikas@itaukeitrustfund.com.fj.