Dr Aminath Zahir awarded first-ever Dhivehi Language PhD

Dr Aminath Zahir has earned the distinction of being the first recipient of a PhD in Dhivehi Language. 

Dr Zahir, who completed a PhD program commenced at the Maldives National University (MNU) in 2019, was awarded the PhD at a graduation ceremony held yesterday. 

With this, Dr Zahir has become the nation's top-qualified Dhivehi Language scholar. 

Her thesis was also written in Dhivehi. It has now been gifted to MNU's library. 

Dr Zahir completed a Dhivehi Language degree course in 2009. She later completed a Masters program in Language and Culture. 

Even at present, she serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts at MNU. 

Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim described Dr Zahir's PhD in Dhivehi Language as a significant milestone for the fields of language, culture, and heritage. He noted that such accomplishments highlight the value of the Dhivehi Language and support continued linguistic and cultural advancement. 

MNU Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz stated that the achievement brings honour to the Dhivehi language, the university, and the nation as a whole.