The widespread use of the English language in bilingual Malta can sometimes hinder migrants in their quest to learn Maltese. For these migrants, English makes communicating in Maltese easier without the pressure of having to exclusively communicate in one language to be understood. The study is based on interviews with 15 such non-EU migrants following the ‘I Belong’ Maltese-language integration programme. But speaking Maltese is also seen as a gateway to the shared cultural experience of their work colleagues. Sonja, who works with mostly Maltese colleagues, shared an anecdote related to the popularity of the Maltese television series “L-Għarusa” at work.

Source: Libya Today January 19, 2023 19:09 UTC