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Maldivian culture is derived from a number of sources, the most important of which are its

proximity to the shores of Sri Lanka and South India. Dhivehi is the most commonly spoken

language in Maldives and is an integral part of the culture of Maldives, though there are

several dialects that are spoken in different atolls all over Maldives. A land of festivities,

Maldives celebrates all the festivals that feature on the traditional Muslim calendar. Islam is

an inseparable part of the culture of Maldives.

EthnicityThe origins of the Maldivian people are shrouded in mystery. The First settlers may well have

been from Sri Lanka and Southern India. Some say Aryans, who sailed in their reed boats

from Lothal in the Indus Valley about 4,000 years ago, probably followed them.

Archeological evidence suggests the existence Hinduism and Buddhism before the country

embraced Islam in 1153 A.D.Not surprisingly, the faces of todays Maldivian display the

features of various faces that inhabit the lands around the Indian Ocean shipping and

maritime routes, the Maldives has long been a melting pot for African, Arab and South East

Asian mariners.

LanguageThe language of the Maldivians is Dhivehi, a language which is placed in the Indro-Indian

group of languages. Dhivehi with its roots in Sanskrit and according to some researchers Elu,

an ancient form of Sinhala, (spoken in Sri Lanka), is strongly influenced by the major

lanuguages of the region. The language has been influenced heavily from Arabic since the

advent of the Islam in 1153 and English in more recent times, especially since the

introduction of English as a medium of education in the early 1960s.

Given the wide dispersion of islands it is not surprising that the vocabulary and pronunciation

vary from atoll to atoll, with the difference being more significant in the dialects spoken in

the southernmost atolls.The Maldivian script known as thaana was invented during the 16th

century soon after the country was liberated from Portuguese rule. Unlike former scripts

thaana is written from right to left. This was devised to accommodate Arabic words that are

frequently used in Dhivehi. There are 24 letters in the thaana alphabet.

Music and dance

Culturally Maldivians feel some affinity to Northern India through their language, which is

related to the languages of North India. Most older generation Maldivians like to watch Hindimovies and like to listen to Hindi songs. Many popular Maldivian songs are based on Hindi

tunes. Bollywood songs are among the most popular songs in Maldives.

Marriage

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Maldivian culture shares many aspects of a strong matriarchal tradition with ancient

Dravidian culture. A unique feature of Maldivian society is a very high divorce rate by either

South Asian or Islamic standards.

Customs

Alcohol can be consumed only in the resorts of Maldives and not anywhere outside. While

entering the mosque, one has to cover his or her body properly. Handshake is the most

common gesture for greeting people. Tipping is not very common in Maldives. Public

observance of religion, other than Islam is strictly prohibited.

FamilyThe close-knit island communities practice mutual aid to survive difficult circumstances. A

system of extended families provide a safety net for members of a family going through a

difficult period. In addition to the parents other members of the family also contribute in the

care of children. Traditionally men go out fishing during the day and women are responsible

to look after the affairs of the family and vary often the community. This remains so even

today in smaller island communities.

FoodMaldives being at an important crossroad in the Indian Ocean, traders and visitors over time

have left their mark on Maldivian cuisine in addition to contributing towards the moulding of

the countrys culture and norms. As the Maldives comprises more sea than land, it is only

natural that fish (mainly tuna) have always been the most prominent element of Maldivianfood. However, with travelers from different parts of the world, new seasonings and

vegetables were introduced in to the country and added to the existing (limited) repertoire of

seafood and tubers (e.g. taro & sweet potato). Each new discovery was incorporated into the

diet in quantities most palatable to Maldivians. Thus Maldivian cuisine now comprises

Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine that embodies a

culinary identity of its own.