Dr. Ashraf: Schools must introduce more Dhivehi-medium subjects

President of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem states that schools must introduce more subjects taught in Dhivehi language.

He made the comment in his speech at the function held by the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy and Maldives National University Student Union’s Faculty of Arts branch – Students Initiative of Arts (SIA) to celebrate the International Mother Language Day on Monday evening.

Ashraf said that more subjects taught in Dhivehi medium, in addition to Dhivehi language, must be introduced to the Maldivian school system – including subjects that teach students about how Maldives embraced Islam, and about Maldivian craftsmanship, the environment, and fisheries science.

He said that attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Dhivehi Language mustn’t be limited to teachers, and that state institutions must treat it as an acceptable certificate in order to encourage more people, from different walks of life, to attain Bachelor’s Degree in Dhivehi Language.

“The certificate must be something that warrants a pay increment and promotion,” he said.

Highlighting on the richness of the Dhivehi language, Ashraf said that he does not believe the Dhivehi language is in danger of becoming extinct, given that it has all the rules and linguistic requirements needed in a language.

Ashraf said he believes the Dhivehi language will live on for future Maldivian generations.