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Learn Maltese


Learn Maltese

On landing in Malta you would be forgiven if you thought English was the official language on the Island. All the signs and directions are in English, ask the airport staff a question and they’ll answer you in English and the customs people will check your passport and talk to you in English.

 

Then, walk a few minutes away from the ‘Nothing to declare’ sign, you start hearing the locals talking in ‘foreign’. “Hang on a minute,” you say, “either those beers I had on the plane over were much stronger than I thought or they’re talking a strange new dialect? Maybe it’s Klingon?” You’d be wrong … or drunk because they're speaking Maltese, and that, not English, is the national language of Malta.

 

Although English is an official language too, Maltese is the mother tongue of the vast majority of people. They just talk English as well … and most can also speak Italian! To make things even more complicated, the Maltese speak different dialects of their language depending on where they live. People in the south have completely different accents to those in the central and northern parts of the island, while the Gozitan dialect – from Gozo - is even more distinct.

 

The value and versatility of languages is exhibited nowhere more than Malta, where most people speak at least three or four, sometimes even five. They’re a necessary tool on an island historically linked with invading major world powers, and today almost totally dependent on a thriving tourism industry.

 

Ironically, many foreigners living in Malta soon manage to get a grasp of the language, which is often peppered, with words borrowed from English, through the colonial connection, and Italian, due to the geographical connection and the fact that most grew up with Italian TV.

 

The bravest, or those who have bought property on the island and want to embrace the local culture more fully, attend Maltese Language classes for foreigners that are regularly held every year. 


 

It is not an easy language to learn, but a bit of determination usually works. There have been many instances of foreigners from places like Finland, Italy, Greece and Germany, learning Maltese from just tuning in to the local radio stations.

 

Professors at Oxford and Cambridge, Heidelberg in Germany and other high institutions have studied Maltese and been able to translate some of the best Maltese literary works, particular those of the national poet, Dun Karm.


 

For the rest, it's just fun to learn Maltese and to be able to surprise their affable local shopkeeper one morning with a choice phrase. The best way to learn Maltese though is to find yourself a local coach so just ask around. You will be surprised how many people are willing to help you learn this unique language.

 

If you are looking for something more formal, then get in touch with the local language schools who can certainly help with information on courses.



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