Dhivehi Language Academy on Tuesday urged all to follow Dhivehi language usage guidelines formulated under the National Language (Priority) Act.
The guidelines, published on the Government gazette on June 29, urges all State institutions to protect, develop, preserve and promote the use of the national language, Dhivehi, as per the National Language (Priority) Law.
The legislation also mandates all State institutions to ensure that all communications and correspondences of the offices comply with Dhivehi language usage rules and guidelines.
The new guidelines gives a 6-month period for all State institutions and offices to comply with the guidelines, and also outlines penalties for failing to comply with the guidelines.
Ashraf Ali, President of Dhivehi Lanauge Academy said that “the guideline will enter into force on December 15,’ and added, “we will conduct special awareness programmes for State institutions and government offices”.
The National Language (Priority) Act came into effect on May 11, 2011, and stipulates that all State communications and correspondences should be in Dhivehi while not restricting the use of other languages in communicating with people who do not speak Dhivehi.
The Dhivehi Language Academy was constituted under the legislation.