Migrants' communication with local people in the receiving country : experiences and approaches in Malta

Abstract

A small island country in the Mediterranean, Malta ranks among the most densely populated EU countries. The fact that Malta is a strategic location between Africa and mainland Europe and that nearly a quarter of its population are migrants gives it a notable position in migration studies. Although interdisciplinarity is inevitable in migration studies, the field of communication is often neglected. The primary purpose of this ethnographic study is to explore how migrants' experiences shape their communication approaches with local people and the receiving society in Malta. To examine this, thirty-five migrants were interviewed, and participant observation was conducted over a period of fifteen months in 2023-2024. Based on the results, migrants are categorised into four groups according to their varying interaction experiences with the local people: hesitant migrants, selective migrants, migrants with positive outlooks, and neutrals. Notably, non-EU migrants who are exposed to ethnic discrimination and discriminatory social media content have a negative approach to communication with local people. In addition, socio-economic conditions play a decisive role in the communication processes of migrants, and proficiency in Maltese is seen as one of the keys to overcoming bureaucratic obstacles for migrants rather than achieving social inclusion. In light of the results, the study demonstrates the need for policymakers, NGOs, and all relevant stakeholders to develop inclusive communication strategies that strengthen relationships between migrants and local people.