Malta
Death of Indigenous Languages
Briana Lerner
Divine Savior Holy Angels
Death of Indigenous Languages
Due to rapid globalization and the integration of many cultures, local dialects and
languages in every part of the world has been decreasing. The culture and beauty that lies
behind each language is of powerful and meaningful value, whether a language be
spoken by billions of peoples or just a few hundred. Each culture is closely intertwined
with a language, signifying that with every loss of a language, there is a loss of a culture.
Therefore, with every effort possible, preservation of these minority native languages
should be maintained. Malta firmly asserts that preserving native languages is imperative
in all communities.
In the case for Malta, the death of the language Maltese is not of utter absolute
panic. According to the Maltese Constitution1, the official language of Malta is Maltese,
in cojunction with English. The Constitution also states that the language of the courts of
Malta is Maltese. This signifies that in the country of Malta, especially in government
affairs, Maltese is not an endangered language. In addition, with Malta’s incorporation
into the European Union, Maltese is one of the official languages of the Union,
expressing the language’s importance, even in international affairs. In addition, the
importance of Maltese is further shown when noted that over 90% of the population
speaks it as the native tongue. Overall, in Malta, the indigenous language is nowhere near
threatened.
The continuation and survival of indigenous languages is contingent on the efforts
of many parties, including many generations of those native cultures whose languages are
in danger, and the government’s programs which protect the declining language. These
programs include education in mother tongues in local schools, translating crucial
documents and texts into indigenous languages so that there is greater involvement in
government for those who speak the native language, and immersion programs for
indigenous children, adults, and elders.
In general, the use and spread of fading indigenous languages is dependent on the
endeavors of all groups of people, of which Malta supports and is in agreement of. The
continuation of every language is valued and cherished, as with dead language comes
with an extinguished culture. The cultural diversity that falls in compliance with
recovering indigenous languages is highly respected and is of very great importance.
1
Davis, J. A. (2015). Malta. In World Book Advanced. Retrieved from
http://worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar340700