Silent on the Sidelines: Malta’s Language Council in Limbo

In the heart of Valletta, at the historic Auberge d’Italie, the Malta Council for the Maltese Language (MCML) has been eerily quiet. For the past 18 months, this institution, established to promote and safeguard the Maltese language, has not convened a single meeting. The silence from its halls is in stark contrast to the lively chatter of the city’s bustling streets.

An Unheard Voice in the Language Debate

The MCML, set up in 2016, was meant to be a beacon for Maltese, advocating for its use and development. It was to be a voice in the ongoing debate about language use in education, media, and public life. Yet, since December 2020, it has been silent, its potential untapped, its role unfulfilled.

This inactivity is not lost on language enthusiasts and activists. “It’s like having a lighthouse without a light,” says Dr. Antonella Gauci, a linguist at the University of Malta. “The MCML’s absence is felt in the ongoing discussions about language policy and planning.”

Caught in the Crossfire of Politics

The MCML’s hiatus coincides with a change in government in March 2020. Some suspect political wrangling is at play. “It’s no secret that language is a sensitive issue in Malta,” says Dr. Gauci. “It’s possible that the MCML has become a victim of political maneuvering.”

However, the Ministry of Education and Employment, which oversees the MCML, maintains that the council’s inactivity is due to administrative issues. “The MCML is currently undergoing a restructuring process,” a spokesperson says. “We are committed to ensuring its effective functioning in the future.”

Reviving the Council: A Call to Action

The MCML’s revival is crucial, argue language advocates. “Maltese is a living language, but it needs nurturing,” says Dr. Gauci. “The MCML could play a pivotal role in this, but it needs to be active and engaged.”

As Malta continues to grapple with language issues, from the use of English in schools to the preservation of traditional Maltese dialects, the MCML’s voice is needed more than ever. It’s time to turn the lights back on at the Auberge d’Italie.

Let’s hope that the MCML’s silence is not a sign of its demise, but a pause before a stronger, more resonant voice emerges. After all, as the Maltese proverb goes, “Il-lingwa ta’ Malta ma tghidlix” – Maltese is not a thing of the past.