Maldivian | Ethnologue

A language of Maldives

ISO 639: div
Alternate Names: Dhivehi, Dhivehi Bas, Divehli, Mali, Malikh, Malki
Autonym: ދިވެހި‎ (Divehi), ދިވެހިބަސް‎ (Divehi-bas)
Population: 331,000 in Maldives (2012). Total users in all countries: 340,500.
Location:: Widespread.
Language Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2008, Constitution, Article 11).
Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Southern, Sinhalese-Maldivian
Dialects: Malé, Huvadu, Fuvah Mulaku, Addu, Maliku Bas. Southern dialects mutually intelligible but not with Male’. Southerners understand Male’ by acquired intelligibility. Users of Male’ cannot understand the others.
Typology: SOV.
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], especially in most schools. Also use Hindi [hin]. Also use Urdu [urd]. Also use Arabic varieties.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 94%. Literacy rate is for those 6 years and older. English is educational medium of instruction in all government schools. Fully developed. Bible portions: 2004–2017.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Maldivian
Writing: Thaana script [Thaa].
Other Comments: Muslim.

India

Location: Lakshadweep state: Laccadives, Minicoy island; Kerala state: possibly in Trivandrum.
Dialects: Maliku Bas (Minicoy Dialect).
Language Status: 5 (Dispersed)
Other Comments: Muslim, traditional religion.

Location: Widespread.