Maltese language

File:WIKITONGUES- Keith speaking Maltese.webm

Il-Kantilena

Silta minn Vassalli

Maltese (Lingwa Maltija) is the national language of Malta, and a co-official language of the country alongside English. It is a Semitic language derived from late medieval Siculo-Arabic, with a significant amount of vocabulary borrowed from Italian, particularly Sicilian, and more recently, English. Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin script and the only official Semitic language of the European Union.

History

The origins of the Maltese language are rooted in the arrival of Arabic speakers in Malta between the 9th and 11th centuries. Over the centuries, the language evolved significantly, incorporating elements from the various occupiers and influences, including the Normans, the Knights of St. John, the French, and the British. This blend of influences has resulted in a unique language that, while Semitic at its core, has a vocabulary that is heavily influenced by Romance languages.

Phonology

Maltese phonology is characterized by a mix of Semitic and Romance elements. The language has a set of sounds that are typical of Semitic languages, such as the emphatic consonants, but also features sounds that are more common in European languages. The alphabet consists of 30 letters, including the distinct characters Ċ, Ġ, Ħ, and Ż, which represent sounds not found in English.

Grammar

The grammar of Maltese shares characteristics with other Semitic languages, such as the use of root patterns to form words. However, it also exhibits features typical of Romance languages, such as the use of prepositions and the definite article "il-" which is similar to the Italian "il". The verb system in Maltese is rich and complex, with a focus on aspect rather than tense.

Vocabulary

Maltese vocabulary is a testament to the island's history, with a base of Semitic words enriched by borrowings from Sicilian, Italian, and English. This mix of influences is evident in everyday language, with different sources contributing to different aspects of life. For example, many legal, administrative, and scientific terms are borrowed from English, while culinary terms often have Italian origins.

Writing System

The Maltese language uses the Latin script, adapted to include special characters that represent phonetic sounds particular to Maltese. This adaptation allows for the representation of the Semitic aspects of the language within a script that is widely used and understood.

Status and Use

Maltese is spoken by over 520,000 people, primarily in Malta, where it is used in all aspects of public and private life. It is taught in schools, used in the media, and is the language of government and law. Despite its small number of speakers, Maltese has a vibrant presence on the internet and in digital media, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving and promoting their language.

Challenges and Preservation

Like many minority languages, Maltese faces challenges in the digital age, including the dominance of English on the internet and in technology. However, efforts are being made to promote the use of Maltese in digital platforms and to ensure that the language adapts to the modern world while retaining its unique characteristics.