Steven Paas (Ph.D.) started compiling the words and explanations in this dictionary in 1997, when preparing for his teaching at the Zomba Theological College in Malawi. Apart from this dictionary of Chichewa/Cinyanja, he has published various studies, for example a history of Chichewa lexicography, and, recently, a survey of the history of Western and African Christianity.

This dictionary has now been endorsed for use in schools in Malawi by Professor Pascal Kishindo from the Centre for Language studies, University of Malawi.

Approved for use in Zambian schools by the Ministry of General Education, 2016