|
|
|
People and Language
|
The people of the Maldives are its own unique character. They are a small, kindred
society unified by common history, the Dhivehi language, and the Islamic faith.
Islam has given strength to the society and the faith is taken very seriously. The
ties and obligations felt by individuals to their community, to their leaders, to
a whole nation reflects the tradition of strong family ties. Intelligent, as well
as devout, the people of The Maldives are tolerant and respectful of each other
and of visitors to the country.
All Maldivians have open access to education. All have the opportunity to play significant
roles in the economic life of the nation. Great respect is felt for the head of
the national 'family' as well as for the head of each household. The family unity
is strong. A population of under 300,000 people is spread over the islands with
over a quarter of them living in Malé, the capital. To foreigners the village people
on some islands may seem shy. Curious of outsiders, they prefer to observe newcomers
from a distance at first.
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives . English is widely
spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting
around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by
the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.
|
|