— The name Sir Humphrey may not be a household name in Malta, but the phrase “Sir Humphrey he ain’t” has certainly made waves across the islands. This colloquial expression, often used to describe someone who is far from being a polished, sophisticated, or diplomatic figure, has taken on a life of its own in…
**‘Il-Malti’: A 100-year-old Backbone of Standard Maltese** Malta, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, is a land where languages intertwine and evolve. At the heart of this linguistic mosaic lies ‘Il-Malti,’ the Maltese language, a unique blend of Semitic and Romance influences that has stood as a cornerstone of Maltese identity for over…
### App to Teach Children Maltese Gets Public Funding In an exciting development for language preservation and cultural education, a new app aimed at teaching children the Maltese language has secured significant public funding. This initiative is not just a technological leap but a crucial step in ensuring the survival and flourishing of the Maltese…
In a refreshing move to bolster the Maltese language’s global presence, a series of new books have been launched to support the teaching of Maltese as a foreign language. This initiative is not just about language education; it’s a celebration of Malta’s rich cultural heritage and an effort to bridge cultural divides through linguistic understanding….
# Speaking in a Second Language Alters Moral Judgement: A Maltese Perspective Language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a gateway to understanding different cultures and perspectives. In a multilingual nation like Malta, where English and Maltese are both official languages, the impact of speaking in a second language extends beyond…
### ‘Festalingwi’ Returns for Its Third Edition: Celebrating Language and Community in Malta The vibrant streets of Malta are set to come alive once again as ‘Festalingwi’ returns for its third edition, a unique celebration that highlights the linguistic and cultural richness of our beloved island. This festival, which has quickly become a beloved tradition,…
**Conserving the English Language: A Maltese Perspective** In the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. With Maltese as the national language and English as an official language, the island has a unique linguistic landscape. This dual-language system is not just a linguistic curiosity but a…
— **This Week: Celebrating the Week of Italian Language in the World from a Maltese Perspective** This week, from October 16 to 22, the global community is celebrating the Week of Italian Language in the World. It’s a week dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of the Italian language and its rich cultural heritage. In…
**Bolt Becomes First Ride-Hailing App to Offer Maltese Language Option: A Milestone for Local Connectivity** In a significant step towards enhancing local accessibility and user experience, Bolt, the popular ride-hailing app, has announced the introduction of the Maltese language option. This move marks a historic moment as Bolt becomes the first ride-hailing app to offer…
**‘Even my children’s classmates learn with us’: expat’s Maltese lessons go viral** Sliema living-room becomes unlikely national classroom as 34-year-old Dutch mother’s free Maltese videos reach 1.3 million views in six months. On a narrow street better known for overpriced gelato than language revival, Kim van der Klooster has accidentally become Malta’s most-watched teacher. What…
**Once Upon a Maltese Childhood: How Stories Shape Our Children’s Future** In a small apartment overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour, three-year-old Elena Zammit snuggles against her nanna as they turn the pages of “Il-Ħut Tal-Plajja.” The Maltese children’s classic, with its colourful illustrations of local fish and fishing boats, has become their evening ritual. But this…
Language, Deep Listening and the Need for a New Maltese Mythos By Lara Pace, Valletta On any given evening in Strait Street, the chatter ricochets from Maltese to English, with sudden detours into Italian, French and the occasional Arabic greeting. Tourists hear music; locals hear history. Yet beneath the polyglot surface, something subtler is happening:…
