https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142534 2026-09-30T23:48:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149526 Title: Sea to stone : tracing human-maritime dynamics in Neolithic Malta Abstract: The Neolithic megalithic temples of Malta represent some of the earliest monumental architecture in the world, and while their relationship to the surrounding sea has often been acknowledged, it has rarely been examined in detail. This study investigates the connection between Holocene sea-level change, coastal accessibility, and temple placement through an interdisciplinary approach integrating a Malta-specific relative sea-level reconstruction, palaeoshoreline modelling, GIS-based spatial analysis, archaeological evidence, and (palaeo) environmental data. During the later Temple Period, results indicate a shift toward increased use of coastal settings, with site placement expanding to sheltered bays, maritime visibility, and accessible approach routes from Sicily. These patterns suggest intentional maritime engagement and an understanding of local marine conditions rather than purely opportunistic movement. The transition toward coastal construction is interpreted as the result of interacting factors, including mid-Holocene sea-level stabilisation, changing environmental pressures, soil/sediment redistribution, freshwater availability, and evolving connectivity networks. The findings demonstrate that temple placement in Neolithic Malta reflects long-term environmental processes alongside increasing engagement with the surrounding seascape. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149393 Title: Urbanisation and reptile population distribution in Malta : citizen awareness for measurement, protection, and conservation Abstract: The main objective of this study is to observe the geography of reptile species population in Malta through citizen awareness, and investigate whether degrees of urbanisation support increasing populations. The study integrates concepts from human geography, conservation biology, and ecology. Using a mixed method approach, the research aims to understand how urban environments influence reptile populations by engaging with citizens from three distinct localities, each reflecting a different degree of urbanisation and rurality. A questionnaire survey was distributed in the localities of Birkirkara, Mosta and Mellieħa. Interviews with experts complement the research on issues of conservation. The study focuses on eight species of Maltese herpetofauna and the factors that influence their distribution across the main island of Malta by analysing correlations between variables collected in the questionnaire survey. Relationships between degree of urbanisation, education, fear, presence of cats, and public awareness of species and protection laws present useful results to provide some recommendations for the monitoring and measurement of species necessary to conserve and protect these reptiles. The findings highlight the importance of citizen awareness and involvement for the implementation of conservation measures for and protection of local herpetofauna. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149392 Title: Geoheritage of the Mtaħleb coast : acknowledgement, potential and appreciation Abstract: This dissertation examines the geoheritage of a selected site along the Mtaħleb Coast, a rural area in western Malta whose geological and geomorphological significance remains largely undocumented. Motivated by the limited national literature on Maltese geoheritage, the study focuses on three objectives: mapping and characterising the site’s physical geography to identify geoheritage features; proposing geotrails that communicate these features to the public; and analysing the profiles and perspectives of people who visit, use, or manage the Mtaħleb Coast. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining geomorphological mapping, field observations, secondary data sources, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The study provides the first detailed account of the Mtaħleb Coast’s physical geography and identifies a range of geoheritage features of scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic value within the selected study site. The three proposed geotrails offer a practical means of enhancing public awareness and address the current lack of geoscientific interpretation in local guidebooks. Findings from questionnaires and interviews highlight the importance of stakeholder involvement in both geoheritage research and in shaping future planning and initiatives. Crucially, the study shows that progress toward geosite and/or geomorphosite designation depends on the prior establishment of adequate financial and human resources, together with sustained stakeholder engagement. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149390 Title: Translating identities : cultural and linguistic mediation within the Colombian community in Malta Abstract: The present study analyses the experience of Colombian migrants in Malta in regards communication in a multilingual environment determined by Spanish, English and Maltese. Rather than approaching communication as a purely linguistic process, the present research understands it as a social and cultural practice through which identity is expressed, negotiated and how this study proves it, transformed. The central argument is that what Colombian migrants do in their everyday interactions goes beyond language learning and/or cultural adaptation; it is a form of cultural translation, in which meaning is continuously mediated across languages and social/cultural settings. The study emphasises in a combination of theoretical frameworks, including Hofstede's cultural dimensions, Hall's high- and low-context communication theory, Li Wei's concept of translanguaging, Communication Accommodation Theory and the concept of linguistic and cultural mediation developed by Carreras i Goicoechea and Pérez Vázquez. All theories together enable research that analyses how cultural values also influence communication and the dynamic, social nature of everyday language use in a migration environment. A qualitative approach was also implemented, combining a semi-structured online survey completed by 30 Colombians residing in Malta and a focus group discussion with three participants. The findings of this study demonstrate that language use is based on contextual situations, with Spanish representing language as an identity mediator for Colombians, English as the main tool for professional and intercultural relationships, and Maltese entering participants' vocabulary gradually through social exposure. Also, as demonstrated in the data collection phase, code-switching is a central feature of Colombians' everyday communicative practices, determined by group dynamics as well as social motivations. Moreover, communication challenges can be both cultural and linguistic wise, depending on individual reasons, and participants are actively mediating in their own interactions through a variety of strategies explained through the research. Most significantly in this study, it was found that the influence of Maltese goes beyond English, but also impacts Spanish’s participants, calling for a process that affects the whole communicative repertoire of a person rather than a single language. Furthermore, this study contributes to translation studies by demonstrating that cultural translation is present in everyday life, not only in professional or literary contexts as it was traditionally believed, and that the Colombian community in Malta represents a rich and underexplored case to understand how language, identity, culture and meaning are understood in a multilingual migration setting like Malta. Description: M.Trans.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z