What Language Do They Speak in Malta?
Malta may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but when it comes to languages, believe me when I say it’s impressively diverse. During my time living there, I realized that almost everyone could speak at least two or three languages. I’d ask for directions in English, and the person replying might switch effortlessly between English, Maltese, and even Italian within the same conversation.
That’s part of what makes Malta such a fascinating destination. You see this country is pretty small in size but very big in both culture and history… and communication too.
What is the Official Language of Malta?
Malta actually has multiple official languages, putting it in the same category as countries such as Canada, Singapore, Finland, Philippines and Ireland. With regards to Malta, there are two official languages, namely Maltese (Il-Malti) and English.
Maltese
Maltese, or Il-Malti, is the national language and a source of great pride for the locals. During my research into the Maltese language, I was fascinated to find out that it holds the record of being the only Semitic language that is actually written in the Latin alphabet, making it unlike any other in Europe. I was also very surprised to find out that its structure comes largely from Arabic. However, over the centuries, it absorbed thousands of words from other languages, mainly Italian and Sicilian as well as English.
When I first heard Maltese being spoken, I could hear the Arabic rhythm in it. However, the more I listened, the more I caught familiar English or Italian words. And by the way, I was able to recognize the Italian words because I have a lot of friends from Italy. For instance, let’s look at the following:
- “Thank you” is grazzi (from Italian)
- “Hello” is bongu (from Sicilian buongiorno)
- “How are you?” is Kif inti? (Semitic roots)
When you visit Malta, you’d notice that Maltese is used in daily conversation and even on the local radio. Even in parliament debates, the Maltese language is used. Children also learn it in schools alongside English.
English
English holds equal status as an official language in the country, and it’s actually the main language of education and business. Even in the tourism sector, English is the primary language. This dates back to British rule. Yes Malta was once a British colony. The British ruled over Malta from 1814 all the way to 1964 (when they gained independence). Today, English remains so widespread that even small village shops and taxi drivers speak it fluently.
As a Ghanaian traveler and remote worker, I found this particularly convenient. I didn’t have to struggle with communication or translation apps. From signing rental agreements to chatting with locals at cafés, English was used everywhere. Actually the fact that English is widely spoken there was one of the reasons I moved there as a remote worker.
How Malta Became Multilingual
In order to understand why Malta is a multilingual country, we’d need to delve a little bit into some history. Over the centuries, the island had been influenced by nearly every major Mediterranean power. And some of these powers include:
- Phoenicians
- Arabs
- Normans
- Italians
- Knights of St. John
- The French
- The British
Each of them left behind traces that shaped how people in Malta speak today.
- Arabic influence (870 – 1090 AD): The foundation of the Maltese language came from Arabic settlers who introduced Semitic grammar and sounds.
- Italian and Sicilian influence: Later, during the rule of the Knights of St. John, Italian became the language of administration and high culture.
- British rule (1814 – 1964): English became the language of law and trade as well as education.
How Maltese People Use Language Today
If you walk around Valletta or Sliema, you’ll quickly notice that Maltese people often switch between languages mid-conversation. This is a practice known as “code-switching”. A single sentence might start in Maltese and end in English. It’s so interesting.
Take this for an example: “Kif inti, mate? Long time no see!”
Such examples are perfectly normal all over the country. In professional settings like offices and schools, English is dominant. But in more local or family settings, Maltese takes over. Meanwhile, Italian still sneaks in during TV shows, conversations with older generations, or among those who work in tourism.
Language and Education in Malta
In Maltese schools, both Maltese and English are compulsory subjects. Like I said above most schools use English as the main language of instruction, especially for major subjects like science and mathematics. The Maltese language, on the other hand, is normally used for minor subjects such as social studies and literature.
As a result, students grow up fluent in both. Some even learn a third language like Italian or French. This trilingual ability makes Malta a popular destination for language schools. During my time there, I met so many international students who were in the country just to learn English in a sunny Mediterranean setting.
Languages and Travel in Malta
For tourists, Malta is one of the easiest countries in Europe to visit linguistically. Whether you’re checking into a hotel, asking for directions, or ordering food, you’ll find English speakers everywhere.
During my trips to places like Mdina, Rabat, and Gozo, I was surprised by how comfortable communication felt. Even in small fishing villages, people were warm and fluent. In fact, some locals told me they find it funny when foreigners expect a “language barrier” because there simply isn’t one.
For Expats and Digital Nomads
If you’re thinking of living or working in Malta, the bilingual environment is honestly a big plus. As someone who moved to Malta under the Nomad Residence Permit, I found it incredibly easy to settle in. Landlords, banks, and government offices operate smoothly in English. Even medical appointments and customer service lines have English options.
This makes Malta one of the most welcoming EU countries for non-Europeans looking to live, work, or study abroad – especially if you’re from countries like Ghana, where English is already the main language.
Do Maltese People Speak Italian?
Actually I noticed that many Maltese people understand and speak Italian. For example, my Maltese landlord spoke Italian so fluently I was surprised. I even once asked him how they are able to do this despite Italian not being an official language. According to him, Italian television was broadcast in Malta for decades. He also talked about how both two countries share close cultural ties.
I also noticed that the older Maltese generations (a group my landlord belonged to) often prefer Italian over English, while younger people are more fluent in English. Some schools also offer Italian as an optional subject, keeping it alive among the youth.
So, if you speak a bit of Italian, don’t be surprised if locals reply in Italian too!
How Language Influenced My Move to Malta as a Digital Nomad
Malta is one of the few countries in Europe (other than the United Kingdom and Ireland) where English is an official language. That alone made it stand out for me when I was searching for a place in Europe to live and work as a digital nomad.
As someone from Ghana, moving to a new country can be challenging enough, but the language barrier often makes it even harder. In Malta, I didn’t have to worry about that. From day one, everything felt easy. Important things from setting up my accommodation to handling paperwork for my residence permit was not complicated thanks to the English language.
But language wasn’t the only reason I chose Malta. Thanks to the island’s location in the Mediterranean, it enjoys very warm and pleasant climate, which was another major attraction. While much of Europe can get cold and grey for months, Malta enjoys sunshine for most of the year. It’s the kind of place where you can work from a café in winter without wearing a jacket, then head to the beach right after.
For me, that perfect combination (English-speaking environment and year-round sunshine) made Malta the ideal choice to call home as a digital nomad.
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