Museum to trace social history of Maltese language

Heritage Malta chairman Mario Tabone yesterday announced plans for the setting up of a National Museum of the Social History of the Maltese Language.

It will be housed at the 16th century Auberge de France, one of the first auberges to be built in Vittoriosa.

The museum is due to open in 2006.

Dr Tabone said Heritage Malta was appealing to all those who may have relevant material to build up a library or to be eventually used in the exhibition to come forward and make the material available to the museum. Such material may include manuscripts, photographs, books and leaflets.

Eventually the museum will also serve as a meeting place for authors and societies who promote the use of the Maltese language, he said.

Heritage Malta intended to develop the museum as a cultural centre which the public, especially the Maltese, could enjoy and learn from. "While being interesting to the foreign visitor, the museum should be perceived as an identity tool for all Maltese, especially schoolchildren," Dr Tabone said.

The museum would endeavour to explain how the development of the Maltese language was reflected through the historical and social vicissitudes of Malta and vice-versa, he said.

Use would be made not only of major milestones in the history of the Maltese language, such as important authors, personalities and events, but also of costumes and other artefacts.

Enquiries should be directed to museum curator Kenneth Gambin on 2166 3731.

The Auberge de France used to house the National Museum of Political History, which closed down in 1987. The building is now being rehabilitated.