How is the English proficiency of Maldivian women?

Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, south of India and Sri Lanka. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is a local language spoken by the majority of the population. However, English is also widely spoken and is an important language for business and tourism. In this article, we will explore the English proficiency of Maldivian women.

The Importance of English in Maldives

Maldives heavily relies on tourism as its main source of income; therefore, being able to communicate effectively in English is crucial for anyone working in the tourism industry. Maldivian women who work in the hospitality sector, such as hotels and resorts, need to be proficient in English to cater to the needs of international tourists. Moreover, English is also important for women who work in international businesses.

English Education in Maldives

The Maldives government heavily invests in providing quality education to all its citizens. Children in Maldives are taught English as a second language from an early age and continue learning the language throughout their schooling. Additionally, tertiary education in Maldives is conducted in English, and most Maldivian women receive higher education, which leads to higher English proficiency levels.

The Challenges of Learning English in Maldives

Even though English is heavily emphasized in the education system, many Maldivian women still find it challenging to attain a high level of proficiency in the language. One of the main barriers is the lack of exposure to native English speakers. Most Maldivians, including women, do not have the opportunity to practice conversing in English with native speakers often. Moreover, Dhivehi is the primary language used in everyday life, which makes it difficult for Maldivian women to use English fluently and confidently.

The Role of Gender in English proficiency

Maldivian women face more challenges in learning English compared to men. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, women’s English proficiency levels are lower than men. One reason for this gender gap is that Maldivian women have more domestic responsibilities and less free time to focus on learning English. Additionally, some women face cultural barriers that discourage them from participating in activities that would improve their English proficiency, such as attending language classes or practicing conversation with native speakers.

The Future of English Proficiency in Maldives

Despite the challenges, Maldives is still making progress when it comes to English proficiency levels. The government of Maldives recognizes the importance of English for its citizens and continues to invest in improving the quality of English education in the country. Moreover, organizations such as the Maldives National University and the Maldives English Association offer courses and resources to improve English proficiency levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, English proficiency levels are important for Maldivian women working in the tourism and business sectors. While many Maldivian women face challenges in learning English due to a lack of exposure to native speakers, cultural barriers and gender inequality, the Maldives government is working towards improving the quality of English education in the country. The future looks positive for Maldivian women who are working towards gaining proficiency in the English language.