đ¸đđ đ¸đđđđđđ MAL MALDIVE (talk) 05:57, 22 March 2024 (UTC)
| Languages of the Maldives | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Main | Dhivehi (98.6%[1]; national and de facto official)[a] |
| Regional | Addu, Fuvahmulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku |
| Minority | English, Bengali, Hindu |
Dhivehi, in various dialects, is the most widely spoken language of the Maldives.[2] However, a number of regional and migrant languages are also spoken. Regional indigenous languages are Addu, Fuvahmulaku, Huvadhu and Maliku language. In addition, numerous languages are spoken by recent immigrants to the Maldives, primarily in urban areas. These languages predominantly hail from South Asia, Europe, and North America.
Dialects edit
The Maldivian language, Dhivehi, has several dialects that reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of the Maldives.[3] The dialect spoken in the capital city of MalĂŠ serves as the standard variety and is widely understood across the country.[4] However, there are distinct regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar found in different atolls and islands.[5] For example, the dialect spoken in the northern atolls exhibits some differences from the dialects spoken in the southern atolls.[6] Additionally, the dialects spoken in the remote islands often retain archaic features not found in the urban varieties.[7]
Addu dialect edit
Addu dialect, also known as Addu Bas, is a distinct regional variation of the Maldivian language, Dhivehi, spoken in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Addu atoll.[8] This dialect exhibits unique phonological, lexical, and grammatical features that set it apart from other Dhivehi dialects spoken in the country.[9]
Unlike the official form of Dhivehi, Addu Bas displays notable differences in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. However, it shares certain similarities with the dialect spoken in Fuahmulah, also known as Fuvahmulaku Bas. These similarities may reflect historical and cultural connections between the regions, shaping the linguistic landscape of the Maldives. Despite its unique characteristics, Addu Bas remains an integral part of the linguistic diversity within the Maldives.
Fuvahmulaku dialect edit
The Fuvahmulaku dialect, also known as Fuvahmulak Bas, is a variant of the Dhivehi language spoken on the island and atoll of Fuvahmulah in the Maldives.[10] This dialect exhibits distinct phonological, lexical, and grammatical features compared to the standard form of Dhivehi.[11] It is recognized for its unique linguistic characteristics, which set it apart from other dialects spoken across the Maldives. Scholars suggest that the Fuvahmulaku dialect has historical and cultural connections with the Addu Bas dialect, spoken in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Addu Atoll. These similarities may stem from shared historical interactions, migration patterns, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Despite its distinctiveness, the Fuvahmulaku dialect remains an integral part of the linguistic diversity within the Maldives, reflecting the rich tapestry of languages and dialects present in the archipelago. Its preservation and study contribute to a deeper understanding of Maldivian linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
References edit
- ^ Petty, Dena. "What are the top 3 languages spoken in Maldives?". www.ncesc.com. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ "What Languages Are Spoken In Maldives?". worldatlas.com. WorldAtlas. 28 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
- ^ Geiger, Wilhelm. Maldivian Linguistic Studies. Asian Folklore Studies.
- ^ Romero-FrĂas, Xavier (2003). The Maldive Islanders: A Study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom. Nova Ethnographia Indica. p. 306. ISBN 8472548015.
- ^ Smith, Mariyam (2016). "A Sociolinguistic Study of Regional Variation in Dhivehi Dialects". Journal of Maldivian Linguistics. 8: 45.
- ^ Fritz, Sonja. The Dhivehi Language: A Descriptive and Historical Grammar of Maldivian and Its Dialects. Trustees of Indiana University.
- ^ Maumoon, Yumna (October 2002). A General Overview of the Dhivehi Language (PDF). National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research Male, Republic of Maldives. p. 80. ISBN 99915-1-032-X.
- ^ Nasir, Ahmed (2010). "Linguistic Variation in the Maldives: A Study of Addu Dialect". Maldivian Journal of Linguistics. 8.
- ^ "Language". Discover Addu.
- ^ Bell, Harry Charles Purvis (2002). The Maldive Islands: Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy. Novelty Printers Publishers. p. 204. ISBN 9991530517.
- ^ Ludwig, B (2005). "Dialect Variation in Maldivian: A Phonological Analysis". Journal of Maldivian Linguistics.
Notes edit
- ^ Most foreigners living in the Maldives, can speak the Dhivehi language.