Maldives is a group of large number of coral islands and so one may find a difference in the vocabulary and pronunciation of the Dhivehi language among the people of different islands. The Maliku Bas, Male’ Bas, Moloki Bas, Huvadu Bas and the Addu Bas are the different variants of the Dhivehi language spoken in the island country of the Maldives. Maliku Bas is the only Dhivehi language that is used in writing. All the other languages are simply spoken or find there presence felt in the classical Maldivian poetry and songs.

The Maldivians uses three levels of speech in the Dhivehi language

• “Enme maaiy goiy” finds place in addressing the members of the royal blood and the upper class.
• “Maaiy goiy” finds place for showing respect for the elders.
• “Aadhaige goiy” is used in everyday life and is the most informal level of speech used for talking.

The people of Maldives hardly greet anyone with a “hello” or a “goodbye”. Instead these islanders welcome each other with a smile on their face and raising their eyebrows. Some time they may use the normal Arabic welcoming words “Assalaamu Alaikum” while greeting each other. Similarly they may use the word “Dhanee” for wishing goodbye to anyone.

Some more useful phrases used in the Dhivehi language are:
“Aan” for “Yes”
“Noon” for “No”
“Kihineh?” for “How are you?”
“Shukuriyaa” for “Thank you”
“Ma-aafu kurey” for “I am sorry”
“Gadin kihaa ireh?” for “what time is it?”

The Dhivehi language is currently written using the Tana or Thaana script which is written from right to left. This Thaana script is said to be invented in the 16th century after the defeat of the Portuguese. The earlier Dhivehi language has gone through many transformations in the past centuries, and one can easily find the ancient Dhivehi language inscribed on the historical metal tabs which are known as “Loamaafaanu”.

Dhivehi is importantly used in the administration of the country and all the Maldivians respect their national language. The local schools used to consider Dhivehi as the medium of teaching till 1960. But with the government understanding the importance of globalization, has introduced English as the medium of education in all the schools. Many of the Maldivian kids are now familiar with the English language early in their life. The literacy rate of this island country is something around 98% and is far better than other South Asian countries.