Worrying about language

Abstract

Is the Maltese population losing its command of English? Are standards of English in Malta in decline? Is it true that there was a time when Malta's population had a faultless command of English? Some emerging facts and figures might suggest a different, and altogether more positive, reality. Still, many seem anxious that something is palpably wrong with our once apparently enviable command of English. Prevailing commentaries about English in Malta focus on deteriorating standards and in particular on the apparent inability of younger generations to match up to their elders in language skills. Prevailing commentaries about Maltese don't often fare much better, as it happens.