Art & Culture

Culture

The Maldives has a proud and rich culture developed from the first settlers who came here from different parts of the world. Drums and songs in unknown languages confirm the origin from East African countries, while food and traditional dresses come from the South Asian region. The "Raivaru" and the "Langiri" represent the first type of dances performed on these islands. The "Gaa odi Lava" are songs in Arab and the "Thaara" is a kind of rhythmical dance with songs in Arab. A dance called "Bandiyya Jehun" has Indian influences and expresses joy for a fortunate and rich fishery. The Bodu Beru, has African influences and is a mix of songs and dances performed by men at the drums rhythm. However many Asian customs, e.g. the tradition of excluding women from public life, are no more valid. Today women play a very important role in the society, as men are often far away. Many of the traditions are tightly linked to the sea, as it provides food.

Language

Dhivehi is the language of Maldives. The language has undergone changes as a result of contact with the outside world throughout the centuries, blending with and absorbing new influences as it evolved. Given the wide dispersion of the islands, it is not surprising that the vocabulary and pronunciation vary from atoll to atoll, which is especially significant in the southernmost atolls.

The language displays much resemblance to several other languages from Sri Lanka and rest of Asia. It contains many Arabic, Hindi and English words. Historically the early people spoke “Elu” a form of ancient Singhalese. Many of the Dhivehi words have their root in Sanskrit.

Dhivehi is used in the administration of the country. Until the 1960s, Dhivehi was also the medium of teaching in all schools, but even today Dhivehi is a compulsory subject in the national curriculum. English is widely understood, spoken and written by the locals. Many in the tourist industry are also fluent in other European languages and Japanese.