Crosslinguistic influence in a bilingual classroom : the example of Maltese and English

Abstract

Maltese and English are used as media of instruction across the curriculum in Maltese schools. It has been observed that both languages are normally used within any one lesson and, as is here illustrated by a continuum of crosslinguistic influence, they are mixed in complex ways. As within Maltese society at large, a new variety called Mixed Maltese English has emerged and is being used as a medium of instruction. This presents language teachers and language planners with a number of problems, some of which are identified at the end of the article.