Language Academy introduces hefty fines to protect Dhivehi
Despite introducing fines up to MVR5,000 (US$324), Ashraf Ali, president of the academy, said that the rules are intended to offer incentives for the use of Dhivehi over other languages rather than penalising offenders.
17 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM
The Dhivehi Language Academy has introduced new regulations for imposing fines of between MVR500 (US$32) and MVR5,000 (US$324) for prioritising other languages in official communications.
The rules were enacted on June 29 under a law passed by the parliament in 2011 to “protect, preserve and enrich the Dhivehi language with regard to UNESCO warnings that languages with minority populations may be endangered.”
The regulations will come into force in six months. It applies to state institutions, including the civil service, the judiciary, the People’s Majlis, and independent commissions.
The academy was authorised to deal accordingly with actions that are either detrimental to the mother tongue or contrary to the law and the new regulations.
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