Why Maltese Deserves More Than a Nod

Picture this: You’re strolling down Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, and you overhear a tourist asking for directions in perfect Maltese. The local they approach responds in English, leaving the tourist to repeat their request in broken Italian. This scene, though minor, underscores a larger issue – the perception of Maltese as a second-class language.

From Bilingual to Biased

Malta’s bilingual status, with Maltese and English both official languages, should mean equal footing. Yet, English often takes the lead, especially in education, media, and business. This isn’t a matter of preference; it’s a reflection of a deeper bias. A 2019 survey by the National Statistics Office revealed that while 98.8% of Maltese speak Maltese, only 66.3% use it daily.

This isn’t a language war, but a call for balance. Maltese is more than just a link to our past; it’s a living, breathing part of our identity. It’s the language of our folktales, our traditional songs, and our unique sense of humour. It’s the language that unites us, from the three cities to Gozo’s rural villages.

Revitalising Our Mother Tongue

So, how do we give Maltese its due? Here are a few steps we can take:

• Education: While Maltese is compulsory in schools, let’s make it more engaging. Let’s teach it not just as a subject, but as a means to explore our culture, history, and literature.
• Media: Let’s see more Maltese in our newspapers, on our TV screens, and in our online spaces. Let’s celebrate local content, not just translate foreign news.
• Business: Let’s encourage businesses to operate in Maltese. Let’s see more job ads, more customer service in our native language.

It’s Time to Speak Up

We’re not suggesting a return to the days of Maltese-only. We’re advocating for balance, for respect, for a true bilingualism. Let’s not relegate Maltese to the sidelines. Let’s give it the place it deserves in our daily lives.

As the late poet Oliver Friggieri once said, “Maltese is not just a language, it’s a way of being.” Let’s embrace that way of being, from the streets of Valletta to the villages of Gozo.

So, the next time you’re asked for directions in Maltese, don’t just nod and respond in English. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate our language, our culture, our identity.