How much Maltese language should I learn?

conchbe New member

8POSTS

9 years ago

Hiya everybody!

I'm pretty sure that this question has been asked before - but I can't
find it here on ExPat...

I am planning a reconnaissance trip to Malta and Gozo in September
or October 2017. Will probably stay 4 weeks.

Learned that people in Malta and Gozo kind'a look down on tourists
and foreigners. (Nothing wrong with that - it's the same here in
厂飞别诲别苍...听

聽 )

So: How much Maltese phrases and words would you recommend
to learn - in order to distinguish oneself from the typical tourist?

Sorry if it is a silly question...

See also

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GozoMo Malta Expert

2212POSTS

9 years ago

In the four years living here I have never felt being looked down on by the locals as regards learning Maltese phrases you will find it a very difficult language to learn, the majority of locals can understand
and many speak English.

1 member reacted to this post

conchbe New member

8POSTS

9 years ago

GozoMo wrote:
In the four years living here I have never felt being looked down on by the locals

maybe 'looked down on' isn't the right phrase. However, even in 'oh so friendly' Scandinavia - if
you don't speak the language - there is an 'undercurrent' of 'you don't really belong' . Of course -
if you only spend a 3 weeks holiday here, i.e. in Sweden where I have been living for 20 years -
that doesn't matter...
Maybe it's really different in Malta/Gozo...聽

GozoMo wrote:
as regards learning Maltese phrases you will find it a very difficult language to learn, the majority of locals can understand and many speak English.

Yes I know: It's a mixture of Arabian, Italian, a little French, some modified English words and
what not...聽

There is a very good training program on the net though (from basic phrases to more advanced)
with a real Maltese speaking teacher!聽

christiane69 Member

24POSTS

9 years ago

Hi,

do me the favour and share the link to that program, please. Thanks very much!

Christiane

1 member reacted to this post

Nange Serial expat

222POSTS

9 years ago

English is one of Malta's official languages so there is no need to learn Maltese unless for your own interest.
As for the 'not really belonging', that's common perhaps in monocultures but who really cares? The world is changing fast and people may as well get with the program. I live in Sliema and love that it is more multicultural now than some cities inmy home country.

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