Which cultural connections distinguish the people of Minicoy from people on most other Lakshadweep islands?

The people of Minicoy are distinguished from the populations of most other Lakshadweep islands by their cultural affinity with the Maldive Islands to the south.1

While the majority of Lakshadweep’s inhabitants are descendants of migrants from the Malabar Coast of southwest India, the people of Minicoy share distinct cultural ties with the Maldives. This difference is also reflected in language: whereas many other islands in the territory speak Jasari (Jeseri), the people of Minicoy speak Mahi (or Mahl).1