The development of Maltese English

Abstract

There has been a more or less constant presence of the English language in the Maltese islands since British settlement began to establish itself during the 1800s. The necessity of accommodating foreign rulers or visitors fuelled a well-established linguistic dexterity in the islanders, who are documented to have used what came to be designated as Maltese amongst themselves, alongside any other languages necessary with anyone else. Today, fluency in at least Maltese and English remains the preferred linguistic scenario, and both are generally considered necessary to be able to get involved in Maltese society.