Malta recognizes three official languages: Maltese, English, and Maltese Sign Language. Legislative enactments in Malta are conducted in both Maltese and English. Nevertheless, according to the country's constitution, if there is a conflict between the two versions of a law, the Maltese text is given priority.
Do you speak English in Malta?
Before gaining independence in 1964, Malta had a significant historical connection as a British possession. Consequently, English is now an official language in Malta. Government affairs are conducted in both Maltese and English, and English is a subject taught in schools, with secondary and tertiary education being exclusively conducted in English. Presently, approximately 88% of Malta's population, totaling about 500,000 people, are proficient in English, although only around 10% consider it their first language (about 48,000 individuals), as the majority of the population speaks Maltese as their primary language.
The version of English spoken in Malta is influenced by British English, but it bears the imprint of Maltese and Italian, impacting vocabulary and phonology. This unique linguistic blend, sometimes referred to as Maltenglish, includes a distinct accent shaped by the influence of Maltese and Italian pronunciations.
What language is Maltese similar to?
The language most closely related to Maltese is Arabic, or more specifically, Tunisian Arabic. Both languages have been significantly influenced by French and Italian, resulting in shared linguistic features. There are suggestions that Maltese may be reasonably understandable for Algerians due to these linguistic connections, although the validity of this claim remains uncertain.
What is the origin of the language in Malta?
The language spoken in Malta is Maltese, and its origin is rooted in a complex linguistic history. Maltese is a Semitic language that developed from a variety of Arabic spoken in the Maghreb region (Northwest Africa). It is specifically derived from a medieval Arabic dialect that likely had influences from various Arabic dialects, including those of the western Maghreb, such as Algeria and Tunisia.
Over the centuries, Maltese has undergone substantial linguistic evolution and has been influenced by various external factors. One significant influence is the impact of Romance languages, particularly Sicilian, due to Malta's historical ties with Sicily. This influence is evident in the vocabulary, grammar, and phonology of Maltese.
The unique aspect of Maltese is that it is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet. The adaptation of the Latin script for Maltese was influenced by the island's historical connections with Western Europe.
Is English spoken in Malta? Discussion on Reddit
Jack from Malta says: "It's a situation I find absurd that some stores lack a single Maltese speaker on their staff. While many can manage with English, not everyone is comfortable with it. It's disheartening to witness individuals almost feeling embarrassed for speaking their own language, as there might be a lack of understanding. It might be high time for regulations ensuring that every customer-facing business has at least one staff member proficient in Maltese to bridge this communication gap."