Dizzjunarju.mt: Malta’s New Online Dictionary is Live
Imagine this: you’re strolling along Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, when you hear a phrase that tickles your curiosity. “Bħal ħaġa u ħaġa” – you think you understand it, but you’re not quite sure. Now, thanks to a new digital dictionary, you can whip out your phone and find out it means ‘like for like’. Welcome to Dizzjunarju.mt, Malta’s new online dictionary, now live and ready to help you navigate the Maltese language like a local.
From Paper to Pixels: The Birth of Dizzjunarju.mt
The Maltese Dictionary, or ‘Dizzjunarju’ as it’s affectionately known, has been a staple in Maltese households since 1978. It’s been a trusted companion for students, academics, and language enthusiasts alike. But in today’s digital age, it was time for our beloved dictionary to get a makeover. Enter Dizzjunarju.mt, a collaborative project between the National Book Council and the University of Malta’s Department of Linguistics.
Dr. Anthony M. Grima, the project’s coordinator, explains, “We wanted to create a digital platform that’s not just a copy of the print version, but an interactive, user-friendly tool that caters to the needs of Maltese speakers in the 21st century.”
More Than Just Words: Features Galore
Dizzjunarju.mt is more than just a digital dictionary. It’s a linguistic treasure trove. Here’s what you can expect:
- Over 100,000 entries: From ‘Ħamrija’ to ‘Zwejt’, the dictionary covers a wide range of Maltese words, expressions, and idioms.
- Audio pronunciation: Hear how words are pronounced with native speaker audio clips.
- Etymology and usage examples: look the origins of words and see how they’re used in context.
- Multimedia content: Enjoy videos, images, and interactive content to enhance your learning experience.
- User-friendly interface: Search by Maltese or English, and filter results by part of speech.
Get Involved: Crowdsourcing Maltese
Dizzjunarju.mt isn’t just a static resource. It’s a living, breathing reflection of the Maltese language. The team behind it is inviting the public to contribute to the dictionary’s growth. If you know a word that’s missing, or have a better example for an existing entry, you can submit your suggestions. Your input could help shape the future of Maltese language documentation.
Dr. Grima encourages everyone to get involved, “This is a project for the Maltese people, by the Maltese people. We want everyone to feel ownership of this dictionary and help us make it the best it can be.”
So, the next time you’re in Valletta, or anywhere in Malta, and you hear a phrase that’s got you scratching your head, remember, help is just a click away at dizzjunarju.mt. Now, go forth and explore the fascinating world of Maltese language!
