Dhivehi...

The National language of Maldives is Dhivehi. The origin of “Dhivehi’ is Dhivehi meaning islanders and Bas meaning language. The Language is believed to be derived from Sinhalese (Sri Lankan Language) though it has been influenced by other languages in the developments such as Arabic, French, Persian, Portuguese, Urdu and English. Dhivehi is written in Thaana script starting from left to right. Experts recently has said that the language was derived from the ancient Indian Language Maharashtri. But linguists believe that it comes from both India and Sri Lanka.

This Indo-Aryan language was influenced by the Arabic language in the 12^th century when the Maldives embraced Islam. The earliest were found in the 12^th century engraved on copperplate grants called Loamaafaanu. In the 18^th century the Thaana became the official writing system.

There are so many islands scattered around the Indian Ocean, and the language as a result has a very rich blend of dialects. Mostly even though some islands may have different dialects the National language is something that the people are familiar with.

Addu Bas, is used in the Southern Atolls. It is also the most widespread dialect of the Maldives.

Mulaku Bas, is another major dialect used in the Maldives by the people from Fuvahmulah. In this dialect the 

features include ‘Laamu sukun’ and an ‘o’ sound instead of ‘u’ is used at the end of the words.

Huvadhoo Bas another dialect of the Maldives used in the Huvadhoo Atoll. The dialect is similar to both Addu bas and Mulaku Bas. This dialect most commonly uses the retroflex ‘T’.

Some of the important words and phrases of the Dhivehi Bas include:

Hello – Assalaamu alaikum

How are you? – Haalu Kihineh?

Fine, thank you? – Ran’galhu, shukuriyaa

What is your name? – Kon nameh kiyanee?

My name is…….. – Aharenge namakee………

Nice to meet you – Baddhalu vee thi varah ufavejey.

Please- Aadheys kohfa

Thank you – Shukuriyaa

You are welcome – Maruhabaa

Yes – Aan

No - Noon 

Good Morning – Baajaveri Hendhune

Good Night – Baajaveri reygade

Where? – Kobaa?

What? – Koacheh?

When? - Kon iraku?

Who? – Kaaku?

What time is it? – Gadin Kihaa ireh?

How do I get to………? - Kihene aharen…………ah dhanee?

Do you have any rooms available? - Evves kotarieh liben ebahuri tha?

How much? – Kihaa varakah?

Do you speak English? -  Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingeytha?

The English Language is common among the Maldivians. And most of the people are fluent in writing and speaking the English language.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language that goes to his heart.”  ‒Nelson Mandela-