An analysis of orthographic depth in the Maltese writing system

Abstract

This dissertation aims to examine the orthographic depth of the Maltese writing system. A number of views are discussed as to the various linguists’ perspectives in relation to writing systems and to the orthographic depth. With the aid of different methodologies, an adequate calculation is identified for measuring the degree of transparency of the Maltese orthographic system. The results indicate that the Maltese orthography has regular letter-to-sound relations and therefore it very much is close to being treated as a shallow orthography.