Fuvahmulah Island, with its unique dialect of Fuvahmulaki Baha, is a testament to the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the Maldives. This dialect not only reflects the island’s storied past but also its vibrant present, where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. As the people of Fuvahmulah continue to celebrate their unique identity, they ensure that Mulaki Bas remains a living, evolving testament to their island’s heritage.
Nestled between 0 degrees 17 minutes south latitude and the meridians 73 degrees 22.5 minutes and 73 degrees 25 minutes, Fuvahmulah Island stands out as a solitary miniature atoll amidst the vast Indian Ocean. Revered by Maldivians as one of the most beautiful and naturally endowed among the extensive archipelago, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for shark enthusiasts, offering unparalleled encounters with a variety of pelagic species. With its diverse coral ecosystems, verdant marshes, and unique pebble beaches, Fuvahmulah is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity and an essential stop for advanced divers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Beyond its rich natural beauty and vibrant marine life, Fuvahmulah Island is steeped in history and cultural richness. The island’s unique dialect, Fuvahmulaki Baha, sets it apart from the rest of the Maldives. This dialect reflects the island’s storied past, traditions, and the distinct identity of its people.
A Storied Past: The Linguistic Roots of Mulaki Baha
An ancient local poem in Mulaki Baha reads: “Havitta uhe haudahau, Redin taneke hedi ihau”. The rich linguistic tapestry of Fuvahmulah is intertwined with the broader history of the Maldivian language, Dhivehi. Dhivehi is the native and official language of the Maldives, also spoken on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, a union territory of India. This Indo-Aryan language has evolved over centuries, influenced by various languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Tamil, French, Portuguese, and English.
The origin of the word “Dhivehi” traces back to the older term divu-vesi, meaning ‘island dwelling,’ derived from Sanskrit. Over time, divu became dū, a term still found in the names of many Maldivian islands. The suffix -vesi transformed into vehi, and together with bas (from Sanskrit bhāṣā, meaning ‘language’), it forms Dhivehi bas, which translates to ‘islanders’ language.’
The Evolution of Dhivehi: From Ancient Scripts to Modern Dialects
Old Dhivehi, the earliest attested form of the Maldivian language, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with records on Loamaafaanu (copper-plate grants) and various Buddhist texts from the 6th century. This ancient language belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the wider Indo-European family and has developed in relative isolation until the 12th century.
Dhivehi has been written in a unique script called Thaana since the 16th century, written from right to left like Arabic. The historical analysis of Dhivehi and Sinhalese was pioneered by Wilhelm Geiger, who suggested that Dhivehi is a dialectal offspring of Sinhalese. Despite this, there is no historical evidence of a major migration from Sri Lanka to the Maldives that would account for this linguistic connection.
The Unique Features of Mulaki Baha
Mulaki Baha, the dialect spoken on Fuvahmulah Island, showcases distinct phonetic and grammatical features that set it apart from other Maldivian dialects. One notable characteristic is the word-final ‘l’ (laamu sukun ލް), absent in other Maldivian dialects. Additionally, Mulaki Baha often replaces the final ‘u’ sound common in other dialects with an ‘o’ sound, as seen in ‘fanno’ instead of ‘fannu’.
Pronunciation differences further distinguish Mulaki Baha. Mulaki Baha also uniquely distinguishes gender, unlike other Maldivian dialects. The vowel and diacritical system of Mulaki Baha follows a distinct set of rules, and it features nasal vowels unique to this dialect.
One of the most unusual aspects of Mulaki Baha is the use of the letter Ṇaviyani ޱ, which represented the retroflex ‘n’ sound common to many Indic languages. Abolished from official documents in 1950, Ṇaviyani is still used by people from southern atolls.
Cultural Significance and Modern Usage
The literature and poetry of Fuvahmulah have historically included the letter Ṇaviyani ޱ and unique sounds, accents, and pronunciations. In ancient times, poetry was integral to the island’s lifestyle, serving as a means of socialisation, romance, and storytelling. Short and long messages written on coconut leaves, screwpine leaves, coral stones, wood, and paper were akin to modern-day SMS and social media messages.
In the age of the internet and social media, the people of Fuvahmulah and neighbouring Addu City have revived the use of Ṇaviyani ޱ, incorporating it into social media posts and official campaign materials. This revival underscores the pride residents of Fuvahmulah take in their unique heritage of history, culture, and language.
A Living Heritage: The Pride of Fuvahmulah’s People
The people of Fuvahmulah are proud of their unique heritage, which includes a rich history, culture, and eco-rich island environment. Whether on other islands or abroad, people from Fuvahmulah relish speaking their distinct dialect and celebrating their unique island identity. Many Maldivians from other islands and foreigners alike find the sounds, rhythm, and pattern of Mulaki Baha appealing and poetic.
The Huvadhoo and Fuvahmulah dialects of Dhivehi sound more like Sinhalese compared to other dialects. In the past, many houses in Fuvahmulah ended with the word ‘Gedharo,’ meaning home in Sinhalese, while in Malé, the word ‘Ge’ was more common, meaning the land someone owns or where a house is built. These linguistic nuances further illustrate the deep historical and cultural connections within the Maldives.
In the dialect of Fuvahmulah, most Dhivehi words differ slightly in pronunciation or have unique accents compared to other dialects. The letter Ṇaviyani ޱ is also important in writing and speaking the dialect of Fuvahmulah, highlighting the importance of preserving this unique linguistic feature.
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