Dhivehi language, also known as Maldivian language, is the official language of the Republic of Maldives. It is predominantly spoken by the native population residing in the Maldives archipelago, stretching across the Indian Ocean. Dhivehi belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is closely related to Sinhala, the language spoken in Sri Lanka.
With a unique blend of Arabic, Sinhala, Hindi, and various other influences, Dhivehi has developed into an independent language over the centuries. Its script, called Thaana, is written from right to left and comprises a modified form of the Arabic script, carrying 24 letters.
The Dhivehi language plays a central role in Maldivian society, functioning as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage. It is used extensively in government institutions, education systems, media, and daily interactions among locals. While Dhivehi has absorbed loanwords from Arabic, Persian, English, and various South Asian languages, it retains its own distinct grammatical structure, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Due to its isolation and unique linguistic traits, Dhivehi maintains a rich oral tradition encompassing folk tales, songs, and poetry. Over time, efforts have been made to promote the language's preservation and standardization through educational initiatives and literary works.
With its growing international recognition, Dhivehi has also become a language of literature, with notable authors emerging from the Maldivian literary scene. Dhivehi language is crucial in fostering communication, cultural expression, and national unity among the Maldivian people.
