What is the official language of the Maldives?
The Maldives, located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, attracts tourists with its beauty and unique culture. One of the important aspects of this culture, in addition to interesting places and attractions in the Maldives, is the indigenous national language. In this article we will look at which official language is used in the Maldives and how this affects the daily life of the island population and tourists.
Official language of the Maldives
- Dhivehi: The official state language of the Republic of Maldives is Dhivehi, also known as Maldivian or Diuheviyan. It is an Indo-Aryan language that was written in the Arabic alphabet until 1976, and then translated into Latin.
- English: English also has official status in the Maldives and is widely used in education, tourism and business purposes.
Language situation in the Maldives
- Multilingualism: The Maldives has a predominantly multilingual environment, with the majority of people speaking Maldivian and speaking English as a second language.
- Tourism Industry: In the tourism industry, English is often used as the main means of communication with foreign visitors, so tourists can feel comfortable even if they do not speak Maldivian.
Examples of basic phrases in Maldivian
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| އަށްވެ (Assalaamu alaikum) | Hello (greeting) |
| އިޚުތި (Izjeh) | Good morning |
| ދިވެހި (Dhivehi) | Maldivian language |
| އައުމީބަން (Aumeebin) | Thank you |
| މީގެ (Miadhu) | Bye (farewell) |
The Maldives is not only an amazing holiday destination, but also a place where you can immerse yourself in the unique Maldivian culture and language. Knowing the basics of the Maldivian language, even basic phrases, can make your stay on the islands even more enjoyable and enrich your travel experience. And using English when communicating with locals and in the tourism industry will help you feel more confident and comfortable.