Il-Lingwa tad-Ding Dong by Charles Flores focuses on the state of the Maltese language today as seen from the lens of a frustrated journalist who has spent an entire career trying to disentangle this linguistic phenomenon.
He delves into his inner self to tackle matters and home truths which are often overlooked at other, possibly hotter, moments
of discussion
The book is a live commentary on bilingualism. The obvious question is: does bilingualism mean the Maltese can fire away in piecemeal Maltese and English at the same time, or that, when needed or desired, one can speak and write in either of the two languages?
Flores deals with Maltese bilingualism on two parallel lines – an intended sarcasm and inevitable realism. During his journey, however, he delves into his inner self to tackle matters and home truths which are often overlooked at other, possibly hotter, moments of discussion.
There is also time for some reflection from the experts on linguistics to help paint the bigger picture of the situation today as regards the use of the national language in Maltese life.