Malta's forgotten language policy

Abstract

This opinion piece examines the long-standing neglect of Malta’s 2019 National Policy for Teaching Maltese as a Foreign Language and argues that the absence of sustained implementation now poses serious educational, cultural and sociolinguistic consequences. Situating the discussion within Malta’s rapidly changing multilingual landscape, the article reflects on the increasing dominance of English in digital, educational and everyday contexts, particularly among younger generations and migrant communities. It critiques the persistent cycle of consultation without action, highlighting how policy stagnation has weakened institutional support structures necessary for the teaching and safeguarding of Maltese. The piece further explores the relationship between language policy, national identity, multilingualism and social cohesion, while stressing that minority language sustainability depends not on symbolic declarations but on consistent everyday use, strategic planning and long-term investment in education and teacher training. Ultimately, the article calls for immediate and coordinated implementation measures to ensure that Maltese remains a living, accessible and socially relevant language within an increasingly globalised and digitally mediated society.