During an event commemorating the 13th anniversary of the Writers’ Guild of the Maldives and the conclusion of a story-writing competition, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih urged to reflect on the reasons behind children’s decreasing interest in and use of the Dhivehi language.
Expressing concern about the potential loss of the native language, he called upon the community to take steps to preserve it.
President Solih praised the Writers’ Guild for their efforts in promoting Dhivehi and literature, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding and preserving the language and literature as a means of upholding the nation’s identity.
Underscoring the importance of Dhivehi language and literature, the President noted that it is one of the greatest blessings for the people, second only to the guidance of Islam.
He described Dhivehi as a vibrant and culturally rich language with a long and illustrious history, highlighting its various forms of artistic expression such as poetry, prose, oratory, and speech.
The President called for increased promotion of Dhivehi literature, suggesting that schools and communities should create environments that expose children to the literary arts. He also emphasized that proficiency in one’s native language serves as a powerful motivator for comprehending the depths of other languages.
Expressing his concern about the declining proficiency of children and young people in Dhivehi, President Solih pointed out that even intellectually and academically capable children often face challenges in speaking the language.
He emphasized the collective responsibility of the government, authors, language instructors, and the entire community in addressing this issue, warning that failing to act could result in irreversible damage to the country’s literature.
In conclusion, the President called upon writers, language teachers, and professors to produce Dhivehi literature that caters to a wide range of age groups. He stressed the importance of creating morally sound Dhivehi books, particularly for children.
