Understanding the language of a destination lets you get a feel of its culture and by learning some phrases, you can converse with locals too. Here are some insights into languages used in the Maldives.
Most Spoken
Dhivehi is the country’s official language and used on local islands. English is known especially in the tourism industry, while Arabic is also used by locals. Apart from these three languages, Haddhunmathee, Maliku and Huvadhu are amongst the other languages used but not as widely.
Dhivehi
The most commonly used language, Dhivehi is said to be similar to Sinhalese which is spoken in the relatively close by nation of Sri Lanka. The Dhivehi language has Indo-Aryan roots and it helps to know a few phrases in it as well.
“Assalaamu alaikum” – Hello
“Shukuriyaa” – Thank you
“Salaamai kurey” – Help
“Meege agakee kobaa?” – How much does it cost?
English
English is also spoken and understood including when doing business as well as at resorts like Dhigali Maldives; properties such as these, offer luxurious room and villas in Maldives for memorable holidays on private islands where you can converse in English with staff and won’t have to face language barriers.
Arabic
The Maldives is an Islamic nation and thus it is no surprise that Arabic is also widely used in the country and is taught in schools as well. For those going out and about, it helps to know some Arabic phrases too.
“Marhabaan” – Hello
“Shukraan lakum” – Thank you
“An-najda” – Help
“Bikam hatha?” – How much does this cost?
