Gov’t Approves ‘Poetry Therapy’ for Treatment Research

The Dhivehi Language Academy’s Language Committee has endorsed the term “Poetry Therapy” and announced the imminent commencement of the research phase for its application in treatment.

According to the committee, the English term “Poetry Therapy” translates to “a soul that brings comfort to the soul through poetry, reading, and listening to the patient’s feelings and sorrows” in Dhivehi. It has a historical precedence, having been utilised in various civilisations since ancient times as a method to treat a spectrum of mental illnesses.

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The approved term has now been officially included in the online version of the Dhivehi dictionary.

On Wednesday, the 22nd of this month, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage and the National University of Maldives. 

This agreement will facilitate scientific research on poetry therapy, exploring the efficacy of Dhivehi poems in treating different mental illnesses and outlining suitable methodologies for such treatments. Additionally, the MoU will pave the way for various other studies aimed at the advancement of the Dhivehi language in collaboration with the National University of Dhivehi.

Minister of Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, expressed his commitment to conducting a comprehensive study on the therapeutic potential of Dhivehi poetry. He emphasised the importance of recognising the scientific applications of poetry and language arts in developed societies, underscoring their significance in shaping the identity and culture of a people.

The Ministry has engaged in consultations with professionals from diverse sectors, including the Society for Health Education (SHE), Mental Health Centre, Child Development Center, and Damanaveshi, to ensure a holistic approach to the implementation of poetry therapy. 

These discussions aim to harness the expertise of various stakeholders in advancing the practice of poetry-based treatments for mental conditions.