Dr. Ashraf: School students interested in Dhivehi and work towards reviving the language

Dhivehi Bahuge Academy (DBA)’s President Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem states school students have an interest in Dhivehi language, culture and heritage, adding they work towards reviving and boosting the Dhivehi language at their own level.

In an interview with Sun on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of DBA, Dr. Ashraf said little time is allocated for Dhivehi language based on how the school education process is structured.

In this regard, he stressed that academic books for students on crucial topics such as Maldivian fisheries, Maldivian history and Maldivian environment are written in English language while the only subjects taught in Dhivehi language in their schools are Dhivehi language and Islam.

Despite being in an education system that is further from Dhivehi language, Dr. Ashraf said the interest of students towards Dhivehi language is not less, adding there are many students who fiercely love Dhivehi language, culture and heritage.

He noted that some schools conducted activities on Dhivehi language on a widescale under names such as ‘Adhabee Foavahi’ and ‘Dhivehi Foavahi’.

“If DBA holds an online session, thousand to two thousand students take part in them. I believe this is because of the fierce the schools’ management, teachers and students have towards Dhivehi language. They have an interest at their level, the level which is required for their life. And they work towards it,” he said.

Dr. Ashraf said the efforts undertaken by students with respect to Dhivehi language, despite the obstructions their way, are beyond satisfactory.

He advised students who are keen on reviving the Dhivehi language to familiarize themselves with early literature books. Dr. Ashraf stressed that one should be far more ashamed of not knowing the Dhivehi language than not knowing the English language.

“For example, I am not ashamed that I do not know the French language. I am not ashamed because I do not know the Arabic language. But I should be ashamed if I do not know how to properly speak in Dhivehi language. We should work towards instilling this belief in Maldivian students. Actually, every Maldivian should have this belief,” he said.

DBA is an entity that has a rich history. The academy was first incepted on January 28, 1979, under the name ‘Council for Dhivehi Language and Literature’. In the early days of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s administration. On February 22 of the same year, a ‘Council for Dhivehi Heritage and Culture’ was established.

Both councils were later consolidated and renamed ‘National Centre for Dhivehi Language and Heritage’. On August 8, 2011, various changes were made to the centre under the National Language (Priority) Bill, which birthed ‘Dhivehi Bahuge Academy’.

The first president of DBA was Ashraf Ali. The scope of work of the academy includes researching matters related to Dhivehi language and culture in addition to undertaking all efforts necessary to develop and preserve the Dhivehi language.

They include holding various competitions for students such as debate, essay writing, short story writing and poetry. DBA also publishes books on Dhivehi language.

The academy held a special function to mark its 13^th anniversary on Thursday morning which featured a breakfast and a cake cutting. The cake was cut by Abbas Ibrahim, a recipient of the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzudheen, who had served as the president of the National Centre for Dhivehi Language and Heritage.