The Writing and Numeral System of the Maltese Language: An In-Depth Examination

Introduction

The Maltese language (Il-Lingwa Maltija) serves as a fascinating case study in the amalgamation of diverse linguistic influences. A Semitic language fundamentally, it is the only such language written in a Latin script and has an array of loanwords from Italian, English, and French. While the spoken language is rich in its phonetic inventory, its writing and numeral system adopts a pragmatic approach to represent sounds and numbers. This article aims to delve into the details of the writing and numeral system of the Maltese language, offering a comprehensive look at its structure, history, and cultural significance.

The Latin Script in a Semitic Context

Historical Evolution

Maltese evolved from Sicilian Arabic, which was spoken in Malta between the end of the 9th century and the end of the 12th century. However, the Maltese adapted the Latin script for their language, primarily influenced by colonization and close interaction with European nations. This makes Maltese unique among Semitic languages, which generally employ scripts like Arabic or Hebrew.

Alphabetic Composition

The Maltese alphabet consists of 30 letters, aimed at faithfully representing the phonetic nuances of the language. Besides the 26 standard Latin letters, it includes specific characters like Ċ/ċ, Ġ/ġ, Ħ/ħ, and Ż/ż to denote sounds unique to Maltese. It doesn’t include the standard Latin letters ‘y,’ ‘w,’ and ‘x.’

Diacritical Marks and Their Function

Maltese employs diacritical marks to differentiate between phonemically distinct characters. For example:

• Ċ/ċ represents a voiceless palatal plosive, distinguished from C/c which is used for the sound /ʧ/.
• Ż/ż represents a voiced alveolar sibilant (/ʒ/), as opposed to Z/z, which stands for the unvoiced /ts/.

Numeral System

Arabic Influence

Being a Semitic language, Maltese retains the Arabic numerals for counting (wahda, tnejn, tlieta, etc.). However, these words are written using the Latin script.

Western Numerals

In written and printed material, as well as in daily use, Maltese adopts Western Arabic numerals (0-9), similar to those used in English and other European languages.

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers in Maltese (l-ewwel, it-tieni, it-tielet, etc.) follow the Semitic structure but are again written using the Latin alphabet.

Writing Conventions

Spelling and Phonemic Faithfulness

Maltese spelling is largely phonemic, i.e., words are spelled the way they are pronounced. This eliminates the need for silent letters or complex spelling rules, making the writing system fairly straightforward.

Capitalization and Punctuation

Capitalization and punctuation rules in Maltese closely follow those of other languages that use the Latin script. Sentences begin with capital letters, proper nouns are capitalized, and standard punctuation marks like commas, periods, and question marks are used.

The Unicode Standard

Maltese was included in the Unicode standard, which allows for its digital representation and is instrumental in its preservation and propagation in the age of the internet. It aids in creating databases, digital literature, and also facilitates online communication in Maltese.

Socio-Cultural Implications

Education

Learning the Maltese writing system forms a vital part of the educational curriculum in Malta. Schools aim at fostering a robust understanding of the script from an early age.

Identity and Heritage

The Maltese script serves as a potent symbol of national identity, offering a unique blend of Semitic phonology and European scriptural tradition. It is an integral part of Malta’s rich cultural heritage, evident in its literature, media, and official documentation.

Conclusion

The writing and numeral system of the Maltese language presents an exciting interplay of Semitic roots and Latin representation. The alphabet, tailored to capture the distinct sounds of Maltese, provides an excellent example of linguistic pragmatism. The use of Western Arabic numerals facilitates the language’s usage in a broad array of contexts, from education and commerce to technology. As a cornerstone of Maltese identity and culture, understanding the intricacies of its writing and numeral system offers invaluable insights into the island nation’s unique linguistic landscape.