Dhivehi language
Dhivehi is the official language of the Republic of Maldives. While of Indo-Ariyan origin, it is spoken by 300,000 inhabitants of the Maldives (and the dilect Mahl by the inhabitants of Minicoy Island). Many languages have influenced the development of Dhivehi through the ages, Arabic being one of the main ones. Others include, Sinhalese, Malayalam, Hindi, French, Persian, Portuguese and English. Dhivehi is thought to have shared a common mother language to Sinhalese, which became extinct with the birth of the two new languages around 500 BC.
Due to the widespread distribution of the islands, differences in pronunciation and vocabulary have developed, especially between the north and south atolls. People in Malé cannot understand for example the dialect used by the people of Addu.
Dhivehi is written using a unique script, called Thaana, written from right to left.
Inherent in the Dhivehi language is a form of eloborate class distinction expressed through three levels: The first level, the reethi bas or aadhe-vadainevvun, was and is still used to address members of the upper class and of royal blood, but is now more often used on national radio and TV. To show respect for elders, officials and strangers the second level, labba-dhuruvun is used. Most people use the more informal third level in every day life.
“Hello” and “Good bye” are not used in Dhivehi, instead someone might greet you with a smile or the raising of the eyebrow and just ask “kihineh?” (how are you?), since they already know how you are, as is often the case in such close communities. Goodbyes are usually expressed by announcing “dhanee!” (I’m going). Often-overused word “Thank you” is not really part of the language, but has been introduced recently through the Hindhi word “Shukriyya”. Maldivians are naturally hospitable and generous people and a thank you is unnecessary. Often please doesn't have a word, and the borrowed word “Maafu(-kurey)” is used to say sorry.
Few English words such as Atoll (a ring of coral islands or reefs) and Doni (a vessel for inter-atoll navigation) are Anglicized forms of the Dhivehi words Atholu and Dhoni.
The literacy rate of the Maldives is very high (98%) compared to other South Asian countries. Since the 1960s English has become the medium of education in most schools, but Dhivehi is still the language used for the overall administration.
