soplang – Somali Programming Language

Project Overview

soplang is an open source programming language designed for Somali speakers. It brings core programming concepts—types, functions, control flow—into Somali so students and developers can think in the language they are most comfortable with.

For Goobo Labs, soplang is about access: reducing the barrier to entry for the next generation of Somali developers and helping local educators teach programming without having to translate every concept from another language first.

Our Process

Step 01

Language design & research

Explored existing language designs and mapped core programming concepts into Somali in a way that feels natural while staying precise.

Step 02

Compiler & tooling

Implemented the core compiler pipeline and supporting tooling so developers can write, run, and debug soplang programs locally.

Step 03

Community feedback

Shared early versions with the community, iterating based on feedback from educators and developers using soplang in real workshops.

Result

soplang is now a working language and open community project, giving Somali speakers a way to learn and build software directly in their own language.