Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage
The Maldives National University > Sustainability 2025 > SDG 11 > Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage

Preserving Maldivian language and culture is a strategic goal in MNU’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025, and 2025 brought major progress. Dr Aminath Zahir completed the first PhD in Dhivehi Language, with a thesis written entirely in Dhivehi, and the President recognised her achievement. MNU’s journal published new research on Dhivehi, covering language shift among children, the weakening of intergenerational transmission, and a corpus study of Dhivehi grammar. Dhivehi Day celebrations in Malé, Hithadhoo and Thinadhoo engaged hundreds of students in language, script and traditional food knowledge. Architecture students documented the built and cultural heritage of AA. Thoddoo, and students produced the UNESCO Silk Threads heritage podcast.

Dhivehi Language Crash Course

MNU’s Department of Dhivehi Language and Culture conducted a hybrid crash course covering Dhivehi grammar and language registers. The course reached learners in Malé and the atolls, supporting practical use of the national language in academic, professional and everyday settings.

Dhivehi Language Day at Gan Campus

Students and staff at MNU Gan Campus celebrated Dhivehi Language Day through an event organised by Bachelor of Nursing students. Activities showcased local traditions and encouraged the use of Dhivehi, promoting appreciation of the language and its place in Maldivian cultural identity.

Dhivehi day celebration

Research Talk: Lexical Differences between Mahl and Dhivehi

MNU’s Lunchtime Talk series featured research on lexical differences between Mahl and Dhivehi, presented by Azeeza Afeef and Aaidha Hamaad from the Faculty of Arts. The session shared linguistic research relevant to understanding the diversity of Dhivehi-related language heritage.

Lunchtime Talk

Research Talk: Literary Devices in Muhammad Jameel Didi’s Dramas

Shiuna Ahmed from MNU’s Faculty of Arts presented a research talk examining literary devices used in Muhammad Jameel Didi’s dramas. Through its Lunchtime Talk series, MNU shared scholarship on Dhivehi dramatic literature and encouraged appreciation of this literary heritage.

Lunchtime Talk

Book Writing Grant: Eid Ufaa / Eid Celebrations

MNU awarded a University Book Writing Grant for Eid Ufaa / Eid Celebrations, planned in Dhivehi and English by Ashia Leela Ahmed and Leena Ali. The grant supports a book project focused on Maldivian festive traditions, cultural knowledge and community identity.

Theveli 2025: Artistic Creativity, Cultural Contexts and Linguistics

Theveli International Conference 2025 included a dedicated sub-theme on artistic creativity, cultural contexts and linguistics. Its published abstract book contains nine abstracts under this theme, providing an accessible record of research shared through the conference and supporting scholarly engagement with language and culture.

MNJR Publication on Hussain Salahuddeen’s 1934 Dhivehi Novel

The Maldives National Journal of Research published Garrett Field’s study of Hussain Salahuddeen’s 1934 novel, Rivaayathu Nu’maan va Maryam. The article examines the work’s social and educational ideas, making scholarly interpretation of Dhivehi literary heritage publicly accessible.

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