The significance of gift exchange in the Maltese islands

Abstract

The phenomenon of gift-exchange has left a mark on linguistic usage and thus may be examined from the semantic dimension. Besides, it also has anthropological connotations which can be fitted within the context of Malta's national identity. The practice itself is seen by the Maltese people as carrying both positive and negative connotations. A distinction is put forward between gift giving and gift exchange. Gifts may be a manifestation of 'social solidarity'. The giving of gifts to establish hegemony over other individuals for the sake of humiliate him! her socially is not a common practice. It is however a recognised mode of 'buying off someone's favour as a form of bribery.