Maltese Language and Literature: From Oral Tradition to Official Status
The story of the Maltese language is one of resilience and adaptation. For centuries, Maltese existed primarily as a spoken tongue, while the written word was reserved for the languages of the ruling elite. This linguistic divide created a unique cultural landscape where the heart of the people spoke one language, but their laws, arts, and education were recorded in another.
The evolution of written Maltese reflects the island's complex history of colonization and cultural intersection, transitioning from a "kitchen language" to a recognized official medium of national identity.
Key Facts
- Official Status: Maltese was not recognized as the island's official language until 1936.
- Oldest Text: The earliest known literary work is Il-Kantilena, written by Pietru Caxaro between 1470 and 1485.
- Linguistic Roots: The language is heavily influenced by Romance languages and English, evolving from a Siculo-Arabic base.
- Diglossia: For centuries, Malta experienced diglossia, where Italian was the high-status language of literature and law, while Maltese was used for daily domestic life.
The Struggle for a Written Form
Following the end of Arab rule in the late 11th century under Count Roger I of Sicily, there was little institutional drive to standardize written Maltese. Literacy was largely confined to the bourgeoisie, aristocracy, and clergy, who primarily communicated in Latin.
Throughout various periods of foreign rule, the use of Maltese was often discouraged to strengthen ties with the occupying powers. Under the Knights of St John, official correspondence was conducted in French and Italian. Later, during the British colonial era, English was promoted through the education system, while Italian remained a significant influence.
It was not until the 19th century that concerted efforts were made to transcribe the spoken language. Figures like Mikiel Anton Vassalli worked to create a standardized written form, filling a gap that was unique among European countries of the time.
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Understanding Diglossia in Malta
The development of a native literary tradition was significantly hindered by diglossia—a situation where two languages (or two varieties of the same language) are used under different conditions within a community.
Historically, Maltese was dismissed as the language "of the kitchen and the workshop." In contrast, Italian served as the prestige language for commerce, law, the arts, and education. Consequently, most Maltese intellectuals wrote their literary works in Italian until the early 20th century.
This linguistic layering began with the coexistence of Siculo-Arabic and the languages of various rulers, including Greek, Latin, Sicilian, Spanish, French, and Italian. From 1800 onwards, English became a dominant influence, resulting in the modern Maltese language being heavily overlaid with Romance and English elements.
The Emergence of Maltese Literature
Despite the dominance of foreign languages, a sporadic but persistent body of Maltese writing emerged over the centuries. The timeline of these milestones reveals a gradual shift toward academic and literary respectability.
Early Works and Prose
Beyond Pietru Caxaro's 15th-century poem, other early milestones include Gian Francesco Bonamico's 1672 sonnet and the first Maltese dictionary by Francois de Vion Thezan Court around 1640. The first known example of Maltese prose appeared between 1739 and 1746 in a collection of religious sermons by Dun Ignazio Saverio Mifsud.
The Path to National Identity
Mikiel Anton Vassalli, influenced by the Romantic movement, viewed the development of literary Maltese as a vital tool for national identity. He believed that cultivating the national speech was essential for a dominated community to claim its status as a nation and struggle against foreign rule.
The Rise of Modern Genres
The 19th century saw a diversification of Maltese writing:
- Journalism: The first newspaper, l-Arlekkin Jew Kawlata Ingliża u Maltija, debuted in 1839.
- Epic Poetry: Giovanni Antonio Vassallo published the first epic poem, Il-Ġifen Tork, in 1842.
- History: Vassallo also wrote the first history book in Maltese, Storja ta’ Malta Miktuba għall-Poplu, in 1862.
- Novels: The first novel, Elvira Jew Imħabba ta’ Tirann, was published in 1863 by Giuseppe Folliero de Luna, followed by Anton Manwel Caruana's Ineż Farruġ in 1889.
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Summary of Literary Milestones
| Period/Year | Work/Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| c. 1470–1485 | Il-Kantilena | Oldest known literary text in Maltese |
| c. 1640 | Francois de Vion Thezan Court's Dictionary | Earliest known Maltese dictionary |
| 1739–1746 | Sermons by Dun Ignazio Saverio Mifsud | Earliest known example of Maltese prose |
| 1839 | l-Arlekkin | First Maltese language newspaper |
| 1863 | Elvira Jew Imħabba ta’ Tirann | First novel written in Maltese |
| 1936 | Official Recognition | Maltese becomes the island's official language |
Notable Maltese Writers
The landscape of Maltese literature has been shaped by numerous influential figures, including:
- Foundational Figures: Pietru Caxaro, Mikiel Anton Vassalli, and Giovanni Antonio Vassallo.
- Modern and Classical Authors: Dun Karm Psaila, Francis Ebejer, Oliver Friggieri, and Trevor Żahra.
- Diverse Voices: Clare Azzopardi, Leanne Ellul, and Mary Meilak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did it take so long for Maltese to become an official language?
For centuries, Malta was ruled by various foreign powers who encouraged the use of their own languages (such as Latin, Italian, French, and English) to strengthen political and cultural ties. Maltese was viewed as a domestic language rather than a tool for official administration.
What is diglossia in the context of Malta?
Diglossia refers to the historical coexistence of two languages where one (Italian) was used for high-status functions like law, education, and literature, while the other (Maltese) was used for everyday informal communication.
Who was Mikiel Anton Vassalli?
Mikiel Anton Vassalli was a patriot and scholar who made a concerted effort in the 19th century to transcribe spoken Maltese into a standardized written form, viewing the language as a cornerstone of national identity.
What is the oldest known piece of Maltese literature?
The oldest known literary text is a poem titled Il-Kantilena (also known as Xidew il-Qada), written by Pietru Caxaro between approximately 1470 and 1485.
How has the Maltese language been influenced by other cultures?
While it has roots in Siculo-Arabic, Maltese has been heavily overlaid with influences from Romance languages (particularly Italian and Sicilian) and English due to the island's history of foreign rule and trade.