Defying the monolingual mindset - Maltese as a language of identity and belonging

Abstract

In Malta, Maltese and English have shared the status of co-official languages for many years. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of English global dominance, the Maltese language is facing multifaceted challenges. These complexities are exacerbated by the relatively small number of speakers of Maltese and by the island’s recent migration patterns and demographic shifts. Despite the undeniable instrumental value of English, Maltese remains a pillar of national identity. Spoken by the vast majority of the population it is deeply ingrained in the nation’s essence, and signifies belonging in ways no other language could capture. This paper underscores the urgency of addressing a number of key issues to preserve Maltese, particularly in familiar, social, and informal settings. It advocates for the strenghtening of Malta’s bilingual tradition, in which Maltese represents a vital cultural heritage, the legacy of which is to be protected amid the challenges posed by English. By recognizing the intrinsic value of Maltese within the nation’s fabric, efforts can be directed toward its preservation, fostering a future where the Maltese identity thrives despite the pressures of global linguistic shifts.