The Maltese Language: A Linguistic Mosaic in the Mediterranean

The Maltese language (Lingwa Maltija) stands out as a unique blend of Arabic roots with a significant sprinkling of Romance languages, reflecting Malta’s rich history as a crossroads in the Mediterranean. Though it’s the national language of the small island nation of Malta, many aspects of this language remain little known to the wider world. Here are ten fascinating facts about Maltese that might surprise you.

1. Only Semitic Language Written in Latin Script:

Maltese is the only Semitic language to be written in the Latin alphabet. While its core structure and much of its vocabulary are derived from Arabic, especially from the Sicilian Arabic of the 11th century, its script is decidedly Latin.

2. Heavy European Influence:

Despite its Arabic roots, more than half of its vocabulary is borrowed from Italian, Sicilian, and English. This is a reflection of Malta’s history, as it has been under Norman, Aragonese, French, and British rule at various points in time.

3. Unique Letters:

The Maltese alphabet contains some unique characters not found in standard Latin script, such as ‘ċ’, ‘ġ’, ‘ħ’, and ‘ż’. These letters give Maltese its distinctive sound and orthography.

4. The “Knightly” Influence:

The Knights Hospitaller, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, left a significant imprint on the Maltese language. During their reign, Italian became the administrative language of Malta, leading to many borrowings and lexical influences in Maltese.

5. Legal Status:

Maltese enjoys the unique distinction of being the only Semitic language that’s an official language of the European Union. This status has played a role in fostering literature, research, and academic studies in the language.

6. Shared Vocabulary with Hebrew:

Though quite different, Maltese and Hebrew, both being Semitic languages, share some vocabulary. Words related to family, numbers, and everyday life sometimes bear resemblances.

7. Continuous Evolution:

Modern Maltese continues to adapt and change. With globalization and Malta’s closer ties with Europe, English loanwords are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in technology and popular culture.

8. Niche Literary Tradition:

Despite its small number of speakers, Maltese boasts a rich literary tradition, with both prose and poetry that delve into the island’s history, folklore, and daily life. Authors like Dun Karm Psaila, known as the “Bard of Malta”, have penned works that are foundational to Maltese literature.

9. Ancient Origins:

The origins of the Maltese language can be traced back to the Phoenician settlers in around 750 BC. Over millennia, it has absorbed words and influences from various conquering nations, from the Romans to the Arabs and beyond.

10. Recognition and Preservation:

Malta takes immense pride in its language. The National Council for the Maltese Language, established in 2005, oversees the linguistic and normative aspects of Maltese, ensuring its promotion and preservation.

Conclusion:

The Maltese language is a testament to Malta’s rich and varied history, capturing the essence of its diverse rulers and influences over centuries. It’s a linguistic tapestry that intricately weaves European and Semitic threads, creating a language that is as enchanting as the island it calls home.