UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
Institute of Maltese Studies
M.A. in Maltese Studies
IMS5003 Maltese Language, Identity and Ethnicity
2008/9
Exam Paper: Tuesday 20th January 16.45- 19.45
Duration 3 hours
Please answer 3 out of the following 8 questions.
l.Give a succinct account of Mikiel Anton Vassalli's career and define his contribution to
the emergence of Maltese as a national language.
2a. Maltese is both an erstwhile Arabic dialect and, today, a national language and a
language of Europe. Discuss the self-perception of Maltese nationals vis-a-vis this unique
cultural situation.
OR
2b. Maltese is, like other 'small languages', threatened by the factor of globalization.
Suggest some practical measures calculated to lead to a revival of the language.
3. The Maltese lexicon has imbibed a considerable number of Italian words. Outline the
historical and cultural background of the Italian component in Maltese.
4. Discuss the relevance of language origins (real or perceived) to the Maltese national
identity.
5a. Is it realistic to talk of residues of Arab culture in the Maltese language?
OR
5b. 'Semitic Maltese vs. Romance Maltese - a diachronic and sociolinguistic equation
feeding a Maltese ideological dichotomy with a long history'. Discuss.
6. Discuss cultural aspects of the Maltese colour paradigm.
7. Language and religion are often crucial factors in relation to personal and group
identity in the Middle East. Comment on their interrelationship in the Maltese situation.
8. How far and in what ways may the status of Maltese be seen to be changing?