Here is a detailed report about the Malagasy language and the name Madagasikara, based on the search results:

Malagasy Language and the Name Madagasikara

Official Status and Usage

• Malagasy is the principal language spoken in Madagascar, with about 25 million native speakers as of 2015.

• It is one of the two official languages of Madagascar, alongside French125.

• The standard variety, called Official Malagasy, is based on the Merina dialect spoken in the central highlands around the capital Antananarivo5.

• Malagasy is also spoken by Malagasy communities on neighboring islands such as Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, as well as expatriate communities in Europe and North America45.

Linguistic Classification and Origins

• Malagasy is an Austronesian language, specifically part of the Malayo-Polynesian branch, and is the westernmost Austronesian language5.

• It is closely related to the Ma’anyan language of Borneo and contains many loanwords from Malay, Javanese, Bantu, Arabic, and Sanskrit, reflecting historical migrations and trade5.

• The language has twelve dialects divided into Eastern and Western groups, with the Merina dialect forming the basis of the standard language5.

Writing System

• Malagasy is written in the Latin alphabet, introduced by Western missionaries in the early 19th century5.

• Before that, the Sorabe script, a local adaptation of the Arabic script, was used5.

Etymology and Name

• The demonym "Malagasy" refers both to the people of Madagascar and their language5.

• The island is called "Madagasikara" in Malagasy, pronounced with voiceless “i” and final “a” sounds6.

• The name "Madagascar" (English/French) became popular in the medieval period and remains the official name in international contexts, while "Madagasikara" is the official Malagasy name2678.

Cultural Notes

• Malagasy has a rich tradition of oral literature, including epic poetry such as Ibonia, which tells the story of a folk hero5.

• The language reflects the island’s diverse cultural heritage, blending Austronesian roots with African and Arab influences.

If you want, I can prepare a full report on Madagascar’s financial history or other topics, or translate this summary into Portuguese or French.