An anthropological examination of aspects of Maltese culture : the Maltese in Malta, and the Maltese in New York City

Abstract

This ethnographic study examines aspects of Maltese culture relating to the Maltese in Malta and the Maltese in New York City. Four specific aspects of Maltese culture are examined: family, education in the broad sense, work, and the influences of religion on the lives of the Maltese. The four aspects are examined in Malta and among Maltese living in New York City. The research was conducted in Malta and in New York City over a four-year period from January 1992 until January 1996. Ethnographic data is presented on two groups of Maltese: those who live in Malta and those who reside in New York City. It appears that most American Maltese arrive in New York, having left Malta, where one of the two official languages is English, where there is an economy with few natural resources, but where there is an excellent school system. The use of the Maltese language, the other official language in Malta besides English, can be used as a self-identifying characteristic not only in Malta, but among this extremely small population in New York City. Statistical analysis suggests that the arriving Maltese have greater earning potential as new New Yorkers than their new New Yorker coutterparts. Newcomers from Malta arrive as members of the middle-class, and achieve economic security within one generation. Three ideal types, or categories, of Maltese are distinguished as an analytical tool in the ethnographic tradition: immigrant (those pulled to New York City), emigrant (those pushed from Malta) and migrant (those coming for specific reasons but intending to return) type. Data are presented describing each. Analysis also show the fluidity of these types, expanding the possibilities from three types of Maltese who left Malta to come to New York City to at least six variations. The notion of return migration to Malta is both interesting and possible. The findings seem to indicate that the migration patterns of the Maltese people, today, share some similarities with other Europeans, particularly the Northern Europeans, to the extent that they appear to be assimilating in New York City rather fast and successfully (in gross economic and self evaluation terms) . Differences are also examined.