Joanna James
Although the Maldives is one of the world's most popular beach hubs, the island nation is quite unlike its neighbours in terms of local culture. Here are some useful phrases and terms all visitors should familiarise themselves with before a holiday in the paradise archipelago.
The national language of the Maldives is called Dhivehi, which is a part of the Indo-Aryan language school. In fact, you will find many similarities between Sinhala, the official language of Sri Lanka and Dhivehi as the latter is a descendent of the former. Due to trade and other political upheavals, Dhivehi has adopted many loan words from other languages including French, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, English and Dravidian. Dhivehi script is written from right to left, unlike in English.
Home to a friendly populace, the best way to greet strangers including the concierge of Adaaran Maldives or any other best all-inclusive resorts in Maldives is with a handshake. As the country is an Islamic state, it is prudent to avoid interacting physically with the opposite sex unless they extend their hand for a handshake first. As in most Muslim countries, saying hello is as simple as uttering 'Assalaamu Alaikum" which translates to "May peace be upon you." The Dhivehi Phrase for goodbye is " Vakivelan" or "Dhanee." Locals are also fond of saying "Baajjaveri hendhuneh" (good morning) and "Baajjaveri haveereh" to tourists so learning these phrases will also come in handy. Bidding someone good night, on the other hand, is expressed by "Baajjaveri reygande"
When it comes to asking for someone's name or asking after their health, the phrases "Aharenge namakee" (your name please?) and "Haalu kihineh?" are the most commonly used. If you are familiar with an individual, asking how they are is as simple as saying " Kihineh?" which is reserved for informal interactions. "Faahanaa kobaitha?" is how one can ask for directions to the nearest bathroom while asking for the price of an item can be as easy as saying " Meethi kihaavarakah?" If a local or a hotel staff member asks about your well-being, it is best to reply "Ran'galhu, shukuriyaa" which stands for "I'm fine, thank you."
The word "Aan" means "Yes" in Dhivehi while "Noon" means "No". Although it is not used often, the local phrase for "please" is "Adhes kohfa." Tourists can use the sentence " Ma-aaf kurey" when they need to excuse themselves while the phrase " Ma-aafu kurey" should be used to apologise. If a Maldivian thanks you in their native language, it is necessary to reciprocate with Maruhabaa, which means "You're welcome."
Most travellers will find the need to switch back to English since their knowledge and proficiency in Dhivehi are limited. Most locals are fluent in English so one can always ask if they would be comfortable conversing in English by asking " Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingeytha?." If you do not understand their reply or any other phrase uttered by locals in any situation, it is best to say " Ahannakah neyngunu" meaning "I don't understand."
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