Joanna James
Besides having gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts that are popular with foreign visitors, the Maldives boasts a populace that is very kind and inviting. Despite the fact that Dhivehi is the official language, the vast majority of Maldivians are fluent in English.
The best resorts in Maldives have employees who are fluent in French, Mandarin, German and a variety of other foreign languages as well as their native tongue. While you can get by just well with English, learning a few local phrases and terms will undoubtedly enhance your holiday experience and make you more appealing to the locals, including those who work at your Maldives resort the likes of Grand Park Kodhipparu.
Dhivehi, the native Maldivian language, is distinct to the archipelago and can only be spoken there. In terms of language, this is an Indo-Aryan language that is primarily derived from the Sri Lankan language, Sinhala, with different vocabulary and grammar adopted from other civilisations that have frequented or exploited the islands as a base of operations. As a result of contributions from Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Dravidian, European languages (including French as well as Portuguese), and English throughout the years, Dhivehi has developed into the rich language that it is now. The reasoning as to why English is so extensively spoken in this archipelago is because it is the official language of instruction in the country's educational institutions. Despite the fact that the Dhivehi script is written on all the islands where it is used, the majority of signage in the area is in English.
When you meet someone in the Maldives, they will most likely welcome you with a handshake, which is the most usual way to greet them. However, the Maldives is also an Islamic country, and the majority of the population adheres to Islamic religious and social norms to a certain degree. Men and women often shake hands, but you must know how to welcome the opposite gender while you're in the Maldives since males and females do not typically make physical contact when they are together in public. You should wait for the lady to extend her hand first if you're a male; if she does not seem to, a nod will do as a perfectly appropriate welcome.
Phrases to know:
Assalamu Alaikum - Greetings and salutations meaning Peace be upon you
Baddhalu vee thi varah ufavejje - Pleasure to meet you!
Dhanee or Vakivelan - Good bye!
Baajjaveri hendhuneh - Good morning!
Baajjaveri haveereh - Good evening!
Baajjaveri reygande - Good night!
Phrases to know:
Kon nameh tha kiyanee - What's your name?
Aharenge namakee (name) - My name is ....
Haalu kihineh? - How are you? (Formal)
Kihineh? - How are you? (informal)
Ran'galhu, shukuriyaa - I am fine, thank you
Phrases to know:
Aan - Yes
No - Noon
Adhes kohfa - Please
Shukuriyaa -Thank you!
Maruhabaa - You are welcome
Ma-aaf kurey - Excuse me
Ma-aafu kurey - I am sorry
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
