President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed concern over the level of proficiency of children and youth in the Dhivehi language.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Writers' Guild of the Maldives, Solih said this could become a major national issue.
He noted that some children with high intellectual and academic aptitude exhibit delayed development in speaking Dhivehi.
"Some children who grow up in our country are unable to speak in Dhivehi properly. This is a national issue that we need to think deeply about," he said.
Solih called on the community to reflect on the factors that lead to children ceasing to learn and use the Dhivehi language.
"This is something we all have to solve. It is the responsibility of both the government and the people. It is the responsibility of parents, writers and teachers of the language."
The President called on writers, language teachers, and professors to produce Dhivehi literature that caters to a diverse range of age groups.
A teacher from Finland International School is currently conducting research to examine the reasons why children are moving away from their native language.
