International Mother Language Day / Jum Dinji tal-Lingwa Materna

On 21 February, the world marks International Mother Language Day, a global observance that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity while promoting the preservation of mother tongues across communities.

To commemorate the occasion, the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office collaborated with Dr Olvin Vella from the Department of Maltese and the UM Library (Archives & Rare Books) to highlight a selection of rare manuscripts and historic poems that trace the evolution of the Maltese language through the centuries.

These remarkable documents, some dating back to the 18th century, are carefully preserved at the University of Malta Library; a living archive of our linguistic heritage.

Among the featured works is Ruzar Briffa’s Jum ir-Rebħ, written during a football match at which the English and Yugoslavian national anthems were played but the Maltese anthem was forgotten. In a spontaneous and patriotic moment, the crowd rose and began singing it themselves, inspiring Briffa’s powerful reflection on national identity and pride.

Another highlighted piece is Il-Jien u Lil hinn Minnu by Dun Karm, Malta’s National Poet. The poem beautifully incorporates words of Arabic origin, illustrating the deep historical roots and layered influences that have shaped the Maltese language over time.

The UM Library stands as a treasure trove of resources that honour and safeguard our Mother Language, preserving not only words, but the stories, emotions, and identity they carry.

🎥 Watch the clip above to discover more about these fascinating works and the rich journey of the Maltese language.