Language

Throughout the Maldives Dhivehi is spoken, a language with roots in old South Asian languages, mixed with Arabic, Hindi and English words. 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 Seenu Atoll Addu. Inherent in the Dhivehi language is a form of class distinction expressed through three levels. The first level, the “reethi bas” or nice language, was and is still used to address members of the upper class, but is now more often used on national radio and TV. To show respect for elders, officials and strangers the second level is used. Most people use the more informal last level in every day life.

Since the 1960s English has become the medium of education in most schools, and is now widely spoken, whilst Dhivehi is still the language used for the overall administration. It’s interesting to hear how English words have been “Dhivehinized” by adding the ending-u; e.g. computer becomes computaru. Recently committees have been established to reintroduce Dhivehi words and to add new ones.

“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?). Or they might just ask you where you are going, “kon thaakah dhanee?”, 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). Last but not least the often-overused word “Thank you” is not really part of the language, but has been introduced recently through the Indian word “Shukriyya”. Maldivians are naturally hospitable and generous people and consider a “Thank you” unnecessary.