The state of the English language in Malta is worrying and standards are declining rapidly to the point that a fluent public speech of an acceptable level is rarely ever heard, according to the English-Speaking Union.
“I do not expect the University radio to deliver the local newspaper review in improper diction and pronunciation every morning,” says the newly-appointed director of education and administration, Giuliana Fenech.
The comments on timesofmalta.com also present a clear picture of the general standard of English.
“When some of the highest officials in the country are unable to write and speak fluently in correct English, I believe it is cause for concern,” she says.
Ms Fenech insists on recognising that English is an official language – not a foreign one. “It is true that, in certain instances, we have to teach it as a foreign language but resorting to these remedies is a crisis.”
She adds: “We are doing ourselves a major disservice if we sit back and say we have lost the standards of English we once had but that it is OK because it is now used as a foreign language. It would be a huge loss and anyone who interacts with the outside world is aware of that.”
One of the greatest challenges facing the ESU, which was set up last year, is to raise awareness of the importance of being profi-cient in English but not at the cost of Maltese, Ms Fenech insists, recognising its utmost importance too.
“But why do we have to choose? Why cannot we be, as we once were, proficient in both? It is unrealistic to say that, because we are Maltese, we should be proud of our language and only teach that to our children. Of course we are proud but, in truth, it is English that is keeping us on the map,” Ms Fenech insists.
The problem is that in Malta even language is a political issue and the mention of English carries cultural baggage. In fact, the ESU has to try and break the idea that English is associated with a certain class, a long-term goal that cannot be reached overnight.
“Nowadays, and even more so in the future, unless we are able to communicate in English and the country recovers its standards, we are going to lose our competitive advantage. The strange thing is that whereas the rest of the world is encouraging the use of English, here, we seem to be turning away from it.”
Today, you just cannot function without English, be it for business, tourism, or the internet, Ms Fenech stresses, acknowledging it is one of the country’s few resources and the only logical way forward.
“In time, we are going to realise – too late – that we need to put a stronger emphasis on English. We had it and we lost it. We threw it away and that is shameful!”
While it is important to introduce educational reforms, Ms Fenech points out that these children would not be entering the working world for a while. In the meantime, the fact that most of the workforce, starting from front office right up to management, is unable to string together a well-versed e-mail, or a five-minute presentation, must be addressed.
For Ms Fenech, who is completing a PhD in digital media and children’s literature, the standard of English is not threatened by the advent of new means of communication.
The part-time University lecturer maintains it should not necessarily be affected, especially if exposure to the internet is complemented by the reading of mainstream newspapers and books, watching of quality TV programmes and the teaching of good English in schools.
“I am not advocating bad English on blogs and text messages but I do not believe you can judge the standards through these media,” she says. “Most students are aware they are shortening words and do it purposely. It would be more worrying if they did not know the difference. What they are doing is quite clever: they are adapting their language register to the medium they are using to communicate.”
A positive aspect of virtual communication is that it offers younger generations a voice they previously did not have, something the ESU feels strongly about. In fact, it is actively working on the introduction of the debate in Maltese culture through its debating programme, which should run in 12 schools next year.
“The debate format is challenging, fast and has a competitive element, so if you can participate in a discussion and convey your message effectively, your language skills are in good shape. We tend to speak aggressively, rather than persuasively... Even a quick comparison between Parliament and the House of Commons shows a different style. The way ideas are expressed and negotiated leaves much to be desired.”
Even in business, the Maltese may struggle to present an idea and, often, it is because they do not know how to use English as a language of etiquette, Ms Fenech maintains.