Expert sounds warning as Maltese teens shun Italian and French at A-level

Abstract

Malta’s education system is roundly criticised for its inability to invite youths to make critical assessments of their country. Yet even in languages, the Maltese student population is finding foreign language proficiency less alluring than before. Of the 4,797 students who completed their studies in one or more ‘foreign’ languages at secondary level in 2021, only 101 continued studying the language at Advanced level. The shocking finding shows that practically 98% do not want to pursue knowledge of either Italian, French or German after they leave secondary school at 15. Dr Mario Pace, University of Malta senior lecturer in Italian, called for an overhaul in post-secondary foreign language learning away from a one-size-fits-all model.