Dhivehi
/dɪˈveɪhiː/noun
Dhivehi is the Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Maldives.
Did you know?Dhivehi is an Indo-Aryan language unusually isolated by geography, and its traditional Thaana script developed in the Maldives rather than being imported as a complete writing system.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dwóh
“Two; the ancient root behind the first element of Sanskrit dvīpa.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ep-
“Water; a root traditionally connected with the second element of Sanskrit dvīpa.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
dvīpa
“Island or land surrounded by water; literally analyzed as a place associated with two waters.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bhāṣā
“Language, speech, or spoken expression.”
Medieval period
Dhivehi
Divehi
“The developing Maldivian form associated with the islanders or their language.”
Modern English
English
Dhivehi
“The standard English name for the language of the Maldives.”