Below is the original mission statement for Phrasing, prior to writing the application. Written October 2023 on the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary

Language is the cornerstone of the human experience—an inexhaustible resource we all share, capable of extraordinary feats. It can make us laugh or cry, ignite our emotions, or spur us into action. It has the power to inspire or wound, to divide or unite. Language is the fundamental medium of connection, the lens through which we view the world.

Throughout history, language has been a binding force, a catalyst for progress. It has brought us together, fostering creativity, ingenuity, and understanding. From ancient scribbles on cave walls to songs passed down through generations, to today’s digital exchanges that cross the globe in an instant, language has been our tool for sharing wisdom across cultures and time.

Yet, in the digital age, language is often reduced to fleeting 140-character snippets, automated responses, and generated text stripped of depth and nuance. Despite the incredible tools at our disposal, we find ourselves more disconnected than ever. We chase a sterile ideal of perfection, more afraid of making mistakes than of failing to be understood. Language learning has been reduced to rote exercises and meaningless exams, devoid of heart.

At Phrasing, we believe it’s time for a different approach. We are committed to reviving the magic, passion, and genuine connection that language can foster. Our aim is to build a platform that embraces all languages, accents, dialects, and people—a platform that celebrates the unique stories behind every word, phrase, and tongue.

We are a team of polyglots, hackers, and dreamers, thrilled by the possibilities of technology. We believe technology can do more than create the illusion of eloquence; it can elevate our intrinsic capacity for expression. Our singular mission is to increase the linguistic throughput of the human race—not by surrendering our greatest asset to machines, but by leveraging technology to amplify our own linguistic potential.

We recognize the infinite potential of language, where learning only stops when we choose to let it. Our goal is to create a language-learning tool so powerful that it empowers everyone to enhance their mastery of their native tongue. We want to help people discover the passion and individuality behind their words, forging deeper connections with themselves and others.

If you’re someone who is excited by the possibilities of language, who relishes the challenge of learning, and who understands that a single word can ripple across cultures, then you’re one of us. We’re seeking inspired individuals to join us in any capacity, to help make the world a little smaller, one word at a time.

Welcome to Phrasing. To fluency, and beyond.