On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took to social media to celebrate the Dhivehi language, calling it the key to the Maldivian identity and survival. In his message, the President emphasized that the Dhivehi language is not just a means of communication, but a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and cultural heritage.
“The secret of our survival as Maldivians, both in the past, present, and future, lies in the Dhivehi language,” President Muizzu said in his post. He noted that much like the Maldivian flag, every word in Dhivehi represents the essence of the nation’s identity and its unique place in the world.
International Mother Language Day, observed on February 21st, serves as a reminder of the vital importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity. It honors the cultural heritage embedded in mother languages and commemorates the sacrifices made by those who fought for the recognition of their languages, particularly the martyrs of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement.
Dhivehi, also known as Maldivian, is the official language of the Maldives, spoken by around 350,000 people. While it is the primary language uniting the nation, the wide geographical spread of the Maldivian islands has resulted in various dialects across the country, with the most distinct variations found in the southernmost atolls.
President Muizzu’s message underscores the significance of safeguarding Dhivehi as a cornerstone of Maldivian culture, ensuring that future generations continue to cherish and uphold their linguistic heritage.
