Minister says promoting dialects vital to preserve Dhivehi language
Yumna’s comments come a day after an Imam in Addu Meedhoo was suspended for allegedly altering the Friday sermon.
By
Najaah Masood
Heritage minister Yumna Maumoon on Wednesday said that the Dhivehi language can only be preserved and advanced by promoting the various dialects spoken in different parts of the country.
The minister's comments come a day after Mohamed Rasheed, an Imam who led last Friday's prayer congregation in Addu Meedhoo, was suspended over his decision to give the sermon in the native Addu dialect.
Yumna noted that:
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Dhivehi language consists of various dialects spoken in different parts of the country
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These dialects are linked to the lives and culture of the people of the respective island or atoll
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It is an important and meaningful cultural heritage aspect of the people in these atolls.
Government spokesperson Mohamed Miuvan said in a message Wednesday morning that Rasheed was suspended for altering the the sermon issued by the Islamic ministry. His suspension would be in place until the conclusion of an investigation by the sermon committee in the city, Miuvan added.
However, no authority has commented on the alleged changes Rasheed brought to the Friday sermon. It remains unclear whether the change was having read the sermon in Addu dialect or whether it was a deviation from the text prepared by the Islamic ministry.
