The Arabic Language

Many think that this language is a recent introduction to our curriculum. Nothing is further from the truth. Since the days of the Knights this need was felt and it was taught for many years. Among the illustrious Maltese who studied and became proficient in the language one finds Mikiel Anton Vassalli who later was to become known as the “Father of the Maltese Nation’. Others preceded him while many others followed. This is not just a coincidence.

Malta’s history may boast that from the very beginning, it participated in the great events which marked the history of the Mediterranean - the ‘cradle of civilizations’. Various civilizations and cultures passed through our islands, most of them making use of it as a strategic centre for their ambitions whether political, cultural or otherwise.

Among these there were the Arabs. Our country was not the only to be influenced by their civilization. Their magnificent remains in Andalusian Spain and Sicily which may still be admired, give us an idea of the level reached by this great civilization.

Unfortunately here in Malta one cannot find such remains except for the various tombstones exhibited in our museums. Yet apart from these remains another factor dates back to the time of the Arabs in spite of the many centuries that passed. This is the Maltese language.

Maltese has its roots in the Arabic language, one of the Semitic languages spoken by millions on the southern and eastern coasts of the Mediterranean since the creation. When this historical fact is acknowledged and Arabic is given its due importance in the study of Maltese then this language will gather enough momentum to catch up with the other modern languages spoken.

 

©F.X. Cassar