Pres. calls for reflection on factors leading to language loss in children
He expressed concern over the level of proficiency of children and youth in the Dhivehi language
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called on the community to reflect on the factors that lead to children ceasing to learn and use Dhivehi language, expressing concern that the native language is being lost, and urged the community to make an extra effort to preserve it.
He made these remarks while speaking at an event to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Writers' Guild of the Maldives and the closing of a story-writing competition.
The event was held at the State Electric Company Ltd. (STELCO) hall, on Wednesday .
Speaking at the event, President Solih commended the Writers' Guild for promoting Dhivehi and literature, stressing on the importance of safeguarding and preserving our language and literature to maintain and uphold the country's nationality.
Highlighting the importance of the Dhivehi language and literature, the President stated that our own language is the greatest blessing people of this county have, after Islamic faith, and that it is a rich and vibrant language with a long and distinguished history. He described Dhivehi literature's depth and richness, stating that our language has distinct art forms: poetry, writing, speaking, and oratory.
Calling for the promotion of Dhivehi literature, President Solih said that schools and societies should be environments that expose children to the literary arts. He also noted that mastering one's native tongue is a powerful motivator for understanding the depth of other languages.
He also expressed concern over the level of proficiency of children and youth in the Dhivehi language, adding that some children with high intellectual and academic aptitude exhibit delayed development in speaking Dhivehi. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the government, authors, language instructors, and the entire community to address this issue, as it could cause irreparable damage to literature if left unaddressed.
The President concluded his remarks by calling on writers, language teachers, and professors to produce Dhivehi literature that caters to a diverse range of age groups. He emphasized on the importance of creating more ethical Dhivehi books, particularly for children. He also gave recognition to the top three winners of the story-writing competition, organized by the Writers' Guild, by presenting them with prizes.
