Dhivehi Language Day is celebrated every year on April 14th. This day is celebrated in connection with the birthday of Fadhilatushshaikh Hussain Salahuddin, who is famous as the most productive literary figure in the Maldives. The Dhivehi language is a symbol of Maldivian connections. It is the lamp that brings life to Maldivian ways and behaviors. It is the moonlight that gives honor and dignity to this land. Yes! Dhivehi is our mother tongue. It is the language that Maldivians have been communicating in since ancient times.
Dhivehi is the mediator that connects our unity, culture, behaviors, and relationships. One of the most important aspects of Maldivian authenticity is our beloved Dhivehi language. Dhivehi Language Day is celebrated for these reasons. Dhivehi Language Day was first celebrated in 2015. The Dhivehi Language Academy has set “Prioritize Dhivehi” as this year’s slogan for Dhivehi Language Day.
In a special interview given in connection with Dhivehi Language Day, Dhivehi language professor Abdul Aziz Jamaal Aboobakuru said that one of the most important purposes of celebrating a Dhivehi Language Day is to instill in people’s hearts the importance of this language to Maldivians. As such, Abdul Aziz said that Dhivehi is an important element of Maldivian nationality. “This is a language that has been maintained for so long. Dhivehi is essential for the survival of Maldivians. Without it, there is no Maldivian identity,” Abdul Aziz said.
Abdul Aziz said that on Dhivehi Language Day, the greatest importance should be given to raising awareness about Dhivehi and determining to become familiar with it. He also said that our lack of knowledge of Dhivehi does not indicate the poverty of the Dhivehi language, but rather the low level of our familiarity with the language. Therefore, Abdul Aziz appealed to learn to communicate well in Dhivehi. Abdul Aziz also noted that we will be honored and maintain our Maldivian identity to the extent that we become familiar with the Dhivehi language and nationality.
The current government pays special attention to reviving and promoting the Dhivehi language and protecting and maintaining Maldivian nationality. As such, the Ministry of Dhivehi Affairs, which was specially created for this purpose, has been working on projects to restore nationality under the initiative of the President. These works include the creation of a College of Nationality, the restoration of the National National Printing Press, the creation of a group of heritage researchers, and the commencement of research work. In addition, the Minister of Dhivehi Affairs has previously stated that a national project to raise awareness about Dhivehi will be launched during this term to foster love for the Dhivehi language.
While the government is doing a lot of work to prioritize and promote the language, we too need to pay attention to becoming familiar with the language. That’s how Maldivian identity can be maintained. Because that language is the barrier that distinguishes Maldivians from other nations.
