English In Malta: A Native Language For Locals

Bilingualism in Malta: Native Fluency in English and Maltese



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On the island, English and Maltese share official status, guiding Malta’s traditions, administration, and everyday experiences.
People here speak fluently in both, making Malta a true bilingual society.
You’ll encounter English throughout Malta, in education, public offices, and casual talk.
Malta’s language fusion showcases its distinctive past and present global links.
Knowing why English holds native status among Maltese people is essential for appreciating Malta’s cultural, academic, and global business realms.
How did English gain such significance in Malta? Let’s examine its origins and potential.



"Thanks to its cultural background, rich history, and linguistic traditions, Malta enjoys great weather, a secure and hospitable community, high living standards, and top-quality lifestyle. All these elements make Malta an outstanding place to reside and study English. Both Maltese and English are national languages spoken with fluency by a truly bilingual society..." — ELT Council Malta [1]


English in Malta: A Historical Journey

Malta’s Colonial Roots and the Arrival of English


Malta’s connection with the English language began in the distant past.
The British ruled the islands from 1800 until 1964.
Throughout British governance, English assumed major roles in justice, business, and academia.
Schools began teaching in English, and government documents used the language.
Maltese marked cultural roots, now joined by English’s rising significance.
Many Maltese learned English informally from the British soldiers, traders, and teachers who visited or worked on the island.


Post-Independence Language Policies


After gaining independence, Malta sought to preserve national identity while embracing global connections.
The government decided to keep English as an official language, alongside Maltese.
Keeping English official strengthened Malta’s links to global markets and tourism.
English is now routinely used in Malta's judiciary, parliament, and academic institutions.
Higher education primarily uses English, making it vital for schooling in Malta.
This dual language status created a unique setup for locals and visitors alike.


The Status of English as a Native Language in Malta

Language Habits of Maltese People


Local people often speak English like native speakers.
This is especially true in urban areas like Valletta and Sliema.
Children often learn both Maltese and English from an early age.
Certain communities, especially in tourism and business sectors, use English more frequently.
English is sometimes used as the main language among Maltese families at home.


Legal and Academic Native Status of English


Officially, Malta recognizes both Maltese and English as national languages.
This guarantees bilingualism in signage, government paperwork, and official messaging.
Students are taught to use English fluently from a young age.
Children learn both languages, setting the stage for diverse career paths.
School curricula are designed to foster English proficiency on par with native speakers.


Impact of English as a Native Language on Maltese Society

Cultural Influences


English influences Maltesers’ routines and lifestyle.
Maltese people consume foreign media and interact globally via English.
Locals appreciate a mix of Maltese and international cultural elements.
Yet, does this cultural fusion endanger traditional Maltese customs?
A segment of the population worries that English could diminish local customs.
Yet, others believe English connects Malta internationally.


English in Malta’s Economy and Jobs


English abilities drive economic growth and job creation in Malta.
Tourists feel comfortable in Malta thanks to accessible English information.
The iGaming and banking sectors seek staff with strong English skills.
The dual language environment draws multinational corporations to Malta.
For Maltese workers, English fluency means better employment options.


Linguists and Educators on English in Malta


Specialists say Malta’s language arrangement is good for business, but it isn’t without difficulties.
One educator commented, "English proficiency boosts Malta’s global image, but we must keep nurturing our native language too."
Educational authorities stress the need to combine high English standards with cultural preservation.


Controversy over English’s Status in Malta

Protecting Maltese amidst English Growth


Some believe excessive English might erode Maltese.
Cultural societies caution against the disappearance of native traditions.
Will English eventually overshadow everything Maltese?
This fear is particularly strong among seniors who cherish Malta’s linguistic heritage.


How English is Taught across Malta


In the education sector, English is firmly established.
Post-1964 independence saw Malta maintain official status for English next to Maltese.
Today, English is the medium of instruction in many schools, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels.
NSO Malta [2] reports that 90% of students receive instruction mainly in English.



In higher education, institutions such as the University of Malta offer most programs entirely in English.
Such access has bolstered Malta’s standing as a top destination for overseas learners.
Students can study anything from engineering and medicine to law, all in English.
Using English as the medium of instruction empowers students to enter English-speaking professional environments worldwide.


Looking Ahead: English and Maltese

Maltese society is still debating how to tackle these language questions.
Proposals arise to preserve Maltese even as English remains widely used.
Teaching in both languages is becoming more common.
Ensuring bilingual competence while protecting Malta’s heritage is the target.


The Role of English in Malta’s Mass Media


English is not just for schools — it’s everywhere in Malta’s media scene.
Numerous Maltese newspapers, websites, and broadcasters use English as their main language.
Important outlets — among them "Times of Malta" [3] and "Malta Today" [4] — serve both locals and expats through English articles.
Editorial content spans politics, culture, business, and more, mirroring Malta’s bilingual spirit.



English media is prominent on both television and radio in Malta.
TVM and similar channels provide bilingual programming, reaching wide audiences with both Maltese and English shows.
This bilingual media environment fosters a culture where both languages coexist harmoniously, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.


To Summarize


English is central to Malta’s past, business scene, and everyday culture.
It’s not just a language — it's a bridge connecting Malta to the world.
But at the same time, preserving the Maltese language remains essential.
The right approach is to blend strong English ability with cultural respect.
Smart policies, excellent schooling, and community involvement will help Malta remain bilingual.
Nurturing both languages opens doors and preserves Malta’s distinctiveness.



Malta's status as a bilingual country with native proficiency in both Maltese and English is a testament to its unique cultural heritage and historical influences.
With English widely used for media and learning, Malta appeals to students and companies from around the world.
The country’s dedication to both Maltese and English offers a model of harmonious language coexistence.




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