Malta and the Mediterranean : a change of perspectives

Abstract

Events of recent years are slowly forcing upon the Maltese a new awareness of their geographical context. Starting from the very palpable fact of political independence and the realization of the impact which Mediterranean happenings have on the Maltese economy, attention is progressively being focused on the Mediterranean nature of the Maltese identity, as opposed to past assumptions about the English, Italian or "European" characteristics of Maltese society. The more important results of the change of attitudes could ultimately be cultural, rather than political or economic. It is easy to exaggerate this phenomenon or to insist on its being all too recent. There is in fact a strong case for arguing that there has on a number of occasions been a certain movement culturally for a return towards the old, primitive roots of the native Maltese. [excerpt]