As many would know, the population of the Maltese Islands are bi-lingual, being relatively proficient in both the Maltese and English languages, with a significant part of the population also fluent in Italian.
It comes as little surprise that this rather multi-lingual culture was the fruit of significant disagreement, ironically stemming from the question as to whether English or Italian ought to become the national language. This was at a time when Malta was emerging from British colonial rule. The working classes were more fluent in English while the middle classes tended more towards Italian. From this background the Islands developed its multi-lingual stance.
To this day the linguistic conflict remains, although its form may have shifted, today pitting Maltese against English. Such has had a negative impact not only upon the general fluency in the English language but has also resulted in a bit of a divide between the Maltese and the world beyond Maltese shores (after all, differences in languages divide).
It also afflicts the quality of education that the students are receiving, first having had to use the Maltese language for topics such as social studies and religion (’ahem’ Roman Catholic religion - but anyway), and then finding that English is virtually the only language used upon university pre graduate level. Many students find themselves disadvantaged as a result.
And this causes me to wonder. If the equal representation of two languages is resulting in the creation of social divides - If it negatively impacts the potential of students and their chances of success - If such is the case… then is it wise for both languages to be considered of parallel role and importance?
Indeed… must the languages be considered as competition to each other? English may be an invaluable means of communication with the outside world, but it is understandable that strong sentiments require that Maltese be retained - After all… it ‘is’ the language associated with Malta - It is unique!
And it is for these reasons that one considers it appropriate to consider both languages important… but in different ways. To allocate different roles within which each would find its place. In the context of Europe the English language has so far been deemed the international language - the functional linguistic medium through which many countries have decided to communicate. Languages such as Maltese are culturally-linked and hence ought to be considered as such. Its purpose lies firmly in the realm of culture. It is the verse of Maltese poetry, music, art… a language by the Maltese for the Maltese… Able to retain maximum integrity, unlike its more functional counterpart, which is progressively corrupted in the name of efficient categorization.
With such lines drawn in the sand it then becomes a lot more logical - the steps to be taken to lead the country back up the ladder of progress.
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