Mahl writing systems

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Devanagari script for Mahl

Among the dialects of Maldivian language, the Mahl dialect (Maliku bas) has notable differences in its writing system. Like speakers of the other Maldivian dialects, Mahl speakers primarily use the Thaana alphabet for writing. However, the separation of Minicoy from Maldivian rule and its subsequent affiliation with India introduced additional features to both the dialect and its writing system.

In the 1950s, the Indian government forbade direct travel between Maldives and Minicoy. As a result, the Maldivian-speaking community in Minicoy became isolated, exposing them to the risks of acculturation. This period marked the origin of the Mahl writing system. From the 1950s onward, the Devanagari script was adopted for writing Mahl. Due to the lack of contact during modernization efforts in the Maldivian language under Mohamed Amin Didi and in later years, 'Malikuthaana' emerged as a distinct form of the Thaana script.

## Devanagari script for Mahl

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Although Mahl is primarily written using the Thaana alphabet, a modified form of the Devanagari script was introduced in the 1950s for writing the language.