DBA urges Maldivians to express sentiments in Dhivehi language

Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem, the president of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, has urged Maldivians to express sentiments and emotions in the Dhivehi language.

In a message on Sunday, on occasion of Dhivehi Language Day, Ashraf expressed concern that younger generations do not know the local names for even the most common things, weakening their Dhivehi vocabulary.

Ashraf said the DBA is conducting research to identify the causes and find solutions, and is collaborating with other relevant institutions to address the issue.

“Language experts concur that the number of youths who think in Dhivehi has dropped,” he said.

Ashraf said that more and more youths use English phrases and find it hard to express themselves in Dhivehi language.

He said that it is because the youth don’t think in Dhivehi that they do not know the Dhivehi names for the most common things, and use English words and phrases instead.

Ashraf stressed the importance of learning the Dhivehi names for the things commonly found in the Maldives, adding that it is crucial to promoting patriotism.

“Because it will be easier to distinguish between Maldivian fish, flowers and plants. Because Maldivians can better appreciate the distinct flavors of the Dhivehi language, the distinct scent of the different fruits and flowers borne from Maldivian trees. So let us remain Maldivians and think in Dhivehi language,” he said.

He urged Maldivians to express themselves in Dhivehi language.

This year’s theme for Dhivehi Language Day is “let’s think in Dhivehi.”

The government decided to mark a Dhivehi Language Day, in addition to the International Mother Language Day, on January 21, 2021.

The Dhivehi Language Day is celebrated on April 14 – the birthday of renowned Maldivian litterateur, Hussain Salahuddin.