This paper implicitly examines detailed aspects about English as an official language, with specific focus on Maltese English. The book "The English Language in Europe" by Hartmann (1996) provides the theoretical foundation and primary literature source for the introduction of this term paper.
The status of English has rapidly changed from the original and ancient language of England and America to an essential tool of international and global communication. English is currently considered the World language, a language everyone should be able to speak in order to communicate with other people from all around the world. In Europe, the concept of English as a world language is widespread and therefore vividly discussed. The research interests lie in the importance of English as an official language in Europe and the development of English in Malta.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Multilingual Europe
3. The Use of English
4. History of Malta
5. Maltese: Language differences, changes and influences
5.1. Differences in Maltese, Maltese English and English
5.2. Cultural influences and Politeness in Malta
5.3. Further Language Changes in Maltese English
6. Maltese English nowadays
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Research Objectives & Key Topics
The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the development of English as an official language within the European context, with a specific, in-depth focus on the linguistic landscape and evolution of Maltese English.
- The status and evolution of English as a global and European lingua franca.
- The historical development of Malta and its linguistic path.
- Distinctions and interactions between the Maltese language and Maltese English.
- Socio-cultural influences on language, including politeness and parental background.
- The current state of English in the Maltese education system and society.
Excerpt from the Book
4. History of Malta
In order to understand the current developments of language usage in Malta, an investigation into Malta’s linguistic past is required.
Malta and the little island Gozo were first settled in 5000 B.C. by Italians. It also has a long history of different ruling powers, such as Greek or Romans. Even Comino, the third and smallest of the three Maltese islands has a long history. It is located between the two other islands of Malta. The country was populated around the Bronze Age. Due to the fact that living conditions were harsh on the small islands, people moved to the main island which became the main tourist attraction.
Even though the history of Malta dates back a long time ago, its linguistic history is young. It began two years after 1778, when Napoleon Bonaparte sailed to Malta for a short 6-days stay, accomplishing many reforms for slavery and the public schooling system. Just two years later, the British navy replaced French occupiers.
In 1814 Malta became part of the British Empire. At this time English was the dominating language. The rule was to speak English as the only language. In addition, British cultural are not only reflected in the language, but also in the flag, the national anthem, phone booths, food and festivals. Furthermore, driving on the left was also adapted from the British Empire; traditions and customs were also similar to British ones.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the status of English as a world language and outlines the research focus on the development of English in Malta.
2. Multilingual Europe: This section discusses the evolution of English into a diverse language and its role as an official language within various European countries.
3. The Use of English: This chapter analyzes the increasing prevalence of English in Europe, comparing it to other native tongues and highlighting its dominance.
4. History of Malta: This section provides an overview of Malta's historical timeline, focusing on the colonial influences that shaped its linguistic landscape.
5. Maltese: Language differences, changes and influences: This chapter examines the co-existence of Maltese and English, addressing standardisation issues and cultural factors like politeness.
6. Maltese English nowadays: This chapter describes the contemporary status of Maltese English, focusing on education, tourism, and the identity-building nature of the variety.
7. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the linguistic situation in Malta as bilingualism with diglossia and notes the lack of codification of Maltese English.
8. Bibliography: This section lists all academic sources and online materials used for the research.
Keywords
Maltese English, Multilingualism, Europe, Language Development, Diglossia, British Empire, Cultural Influence, Politeness, Linguistic Diversity, Code Switching, Language Contact, Education, Standardisation, Lingua Franca, Socio-linguistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the role of English as an official language in Europe, with a specific focus on the unique linguistic development and characteristics of Maltese English.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The central fields include language history, the impact of colonialism on linguistic diversity, the socio-cultural aspects of bilingualism, and the current state of language usage in Malta.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explore how English has emerged and is utilized in the Maltese context, considering both historical influences and modern-day social variables.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The author uses a qualitative literature-based analysis, reviewing studies and theoretical foundations from scholars like Hartmann, Krug, and Rosen to evaluate the status of the English language.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the history of Malta, the interaction between Maltese and English, cultural influences on language (like politeness), the role of parents, and the status of English in the modern Maltese school system.
Which keywords best describe the work?
The most relevant keywords are Maltese English, bilingualism, diglossia, language contact, cultural influence, and socio-linguistics.
How is the linguistic situation in Malta characterized?
The situation is described as bilingualism with diglossia, where two languages co-exist and are used in different social contexts, though Maltese remains the primary native language.
What is the main problem identified regarding Maltese English?
The primary issue mentioned is that Maltese English lacks formal codification, meaning it has not been standardized in dictionaries or official linguistic guidelines.
How does the author explain the influence of age on language?
The author notes that younger speakers tend to move away from purely British variants, showing a slight trend toward Americanization or broader globalization.
- Quote paper
- Andrea Michaela Hellweger (Author), 2020, The Acquisition of English in a Multilingual Context. The Use of English in Europe with Focus on Maltese English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1038677
