Insular Malta : self-expression of linguistic identity through public signs

Abstract

This paper focuses on the way Maltese culture and identity expresses itself through the visibility of language use in the public sphere, specifically through public signs. Although Maltese and English are currently Malta's two official languages, Italian was for a long time the language of the courts, and the one used in most official documents. Written Maltese became important only around the time of World War II. This paper presents the results of a scientifically representative quantitative study on the frequency of languages in the public sphere, notably in public signs, notices and house names, and seeks to trace the relative use of different languages. In so doing it maps the ethno-linguistic mix of the population as an expression of indigenous culture and identity.