ދިވެހި ބަހާ މެދު ދިވެހި ޒުވާނުންގެ ވިސްނުން ހުރީ ކިހިނެއްތޯ

Abstract

The aim of this research is to understand how Maldivian youth view Dhivehi language. This research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. A survey questionnaire was administered to 200 youth under 35 years. In addition, focus group interviews were used to obtain in-depth perceptions. The questions used explore the usage of Dhivehi and external influences on the language, importance given and the general attitudes of youth towards Dhivehi. The findings show that the usage of Dhivehi is declining with more people opting to use English. Some of the identified factors influencing this change were economy and trade, local policies on language use and globalization. It is recommended that changes need to be brought out in education policies to promote Dhivehi language. In addition, local policies on language use need to be strengthened and the use of Dhivehi language needs to be promoted, especially using today’s technological advances.