What Language Do They Speak in Malta? A Guide
Many travellers to Malta ask the question ‘what language do they speak in Malta?’ Malta is a European country, and as such, you might be wondering whether they speak Spanish, Italian, English or another language in Malta.
When you’re planning a trip somewhere it’s helpful to know what language is spoken in the place you’re visiting, so you can get in some practice in advance.
As a regular traveller who has enjoyed trips to Malta, and as someone who has learnt a second language (to communicate with my husband who’s first language is Spanish), I’m here to give you the all-important information about what language they speak in Malta.
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What Language Do They Speak in Malta?
If you’re looking for a quick answer to the question of what language do they speak in Malta then the answer is that on the three islands which make up the country of Malta, they speak Maltese and English. Read on for more in-depth details about the language of Malta.
What is the Malta Official Language?
Malta is a wonderful country to visit and has many ancient sights, historic places of interest and a beautiful coastline and beaches, plus delicious food.
The question of what language do they speak in Malta can be a sensitive subject. Owing to its history the languages spoken in Malta have changed over time. Where once Italian was a key language, now both Maltese (‘Malti’) and English are official Malta languages.
Whilst both languages were officially decreed in the 1964 Constitution, there is a distinction in that the Maltese language is defined as the national language of Malta, whilst both Maltese and English are listed as the official languages of Malta.
In 2005 a National Council for the Maltese Language was set up in order to promote Maltese.
Maltese Language
Maltese is believed to have descended from a form of Arabic language before it further developed as its own language around the 13th Century.
As with most languages, Maltese changed and developed throughout the years. Nowadays, you’ll find examples of a range of words from other languages sprinkled throughout Maltese, for example French, Italian and English.
The Maltese language is the only official Semitic language of the European Union.
Another of the unique facts about the Maltese language is that it is the only Arabic language that uses the Latin alphabet when written down. This means that even if you don’t speak the language, it may be easier for you to have a go at reading the Latin script and speaking it if your own language is based on the Latin alphabet.
Maltese is not just spoken in Malta. Outside of the country, Maltese is spoken by around 100,000 people in Australia, the US, Canada, Italy and the UK.
English Language in Malta
Malta has a long history involving British colonialism, which began in the 1800s with British military intervention in a conflict with Napoleon’s France. Britain subsequently took control of the island, turning it into a British colony.
The British ended a brief period of Maltese self-government in 1933, partly in response to Maltese protests regarding the imposition of English, rather than Italian, as the national language. After this, Malta went through various stages of autonomous government until in 1964 it joined the British Commonwealth and, in December 1974 Malta gained full independence.
It’s useful to remember that English is not a second language in Malta, it’s an official language alongside Maltese. For example, it could be considered rude or patronising to tell Maltese people that their English is very good.
English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world and is often a traveller’s lifeline when all else fails. From that perspective, as a frequent traveller, I’m fortunate to have grown up speaking English as my first language, whilst also being aware of how easy it is to be lazy and overly rely on English when travelling.
However, when visiting Malta it really is ok to speak English, as it is one of the official languages of Malta and the majority of the population speak English.
English is used predominantly as the language of business, official documents and in the tourism industry in Malta.
The use of English as a primary language in Malta makes travelling to Malta even easier for English speakers and, along with famous beaches like the Blue Lagoon and oodles of history, makes Malta a very attractive destination for many tourists. So if you’re looking for a destination where they speak English, Malta is worth visiting.
How Many Languages Are Spoken in Malta?
In Malta there are three official languages, these are Maltese, English and Maltese Sign Language. Both Maltese and English are used for laws in Malta.
Whilst both English and Maltese are official languages spoken in Malta, in a survey carried out by the University of Malta 97% of people surveyed considered Maltese to be their first language. However, both Maltese and English were believed to be of importance.
As well as the official languages of Malta, you may also hear people speaking French, German, Italian and Spanish as a foreign language.
Do I Need to Speak Maltese if I Visit Malta?
You do not need to speak Maltese when you visit Malta. It’s not necessary as English is also an official language in Malta, so if you speak English, you will easily be able to communicate in Malta.
You may hear people seamlessly switch between English and Maltese when on a Malta itinerary. On my own trips to Malta, including hiking the wonderful island of Gozo, I have been able to communicate in English with everyone I have met.
Do They Speak Italian in Malta?
Up until 1934, Italian was a favoured language in Malta and was spoken in particular by the Maltese aristocracy. Once the British took control of Malta in that year, the question of what would be the official language of Malta was debated. There were protests from some who wanted to maintain Italian as the official Malta language. However, in the end, English was declared the official language, and it has remained a part of Malta’s official languages ever since.
Whilst Italian is not an official language in Malta, a high proportion of the population speak and understand Italian. Malta is located so close to Sicily that during World War Two there was a military mission involving kayaking from one island to the other, so it’s easy to see why the question about “do they speak Italian in Malta” is a common one.
What Languages Are Used in Schools in Malta?
Both English and Maltese are taught in schools throughout Malta.
How to Say Hello in Maltese
So now you know what language they speak in Malta, you might be keen to learn how to say hello in Maltese. As a regular traveller, I love learning how to greet people in a different language to my own. To say an informal hello in Maltese you can say ‘sliem għalik’ (pronounced sleem a-lek).
11 More Useful Maltese Phrases for Your Trip
Whilst if you speak English you don’t need to speak Maltese for your visit to Malta, it’s always fun and polite to learn phrases in a new language.
The words below will help you with some of the basics if you want to communicate in Maltese whilst in Malta.
| Maltese | Phonetic Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bonġu | Bawn-goo | Good morning |
| Lejl tajjeb | Lale tah-yeb | Good night |
| Saħħa | Sa-ha | Goodbye |
| Ma nifhimx | Ma nif-heems | I don’t understand |
| Iva | Ee-va | Yes |
| Le | Lay | No |
| Jekk jogħġbok | Yek jok-book | Please |
| Grazzi | Grat-see | Thank you |
| Il-kont | Il-kont | The bill |
| Ma nafx | Ma naffs | I don’t know |
| Saħħa | Sa-ha | Cheers |
Whilst most written Maltese uses the Latin alphabet, there are 6 special characters in Maltese. There are Ċ, Ġ, GĦ, Ħ, IE and Ż.
Check out this YouTube video for details on how to pronounce the Maltese alphabet.
Is Maltese Italian or Greek?
The Maltese language is neither Italian nor Greek, it is its own distinct language.
Learning the Maltese Language
If you are interested in learning Maltese, you can take an online Maltese language course.
You can also apply for one of the Lifelong Learning Maltese language courses which take place in Malta.
FAQs: What Language Do They Speak in Malta?
Find out the answers to key questions related to the question ‘what language do they speak in Malta’.
What Language is Mostly Spoken in Malta?
Both Maltese and English are spoken in Malta. Maltese is the official national language and in a survey by the University of Malta was considered by 97% of respondents to be their first language, so Maltese could be considered the language mostly spoken in Malta.
What Nationality are People from Malta?
The nationality of people from Malta is Maltese and around 98% of the population of Malta is Maltese.
Do They Speak English in Malta?
Yes, they do speak English in Malta. English is one of the official languages of Malta, as well as Maltese and Maltese Sign Language.
Summary: What Language Do They Speak in Malta?
Knowing what language they speak in Malta can enrich your travel adventure. Now you know that both English and Maltese are official languages of Malta you may want to learn some Maltese for a more immersive experience.
For more help planning your trip to Malta, find out how to get around Malta and discover the best swimming spots on Malta.
More Malta Resources
10 Best Boutique Hotels Malta: A Guide to Where to Stay
15 Best Beaches on Gozo and How to Get to Them
15 Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
Ferry to Gozo, Malta: Cheap & Fast Ways to Get to Gozo
Getting Around Malta by Public Transport
Gozo Hiking: Take the Slow Lane
Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site and the Blue Hole (Malta)
Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay on Gozo: A Complete Guide
How to Get to Blue Lagoon Malta and Best Things to Do
Malta is in What Country? Where is Malta Located on the Map & Other Facts
Places to Go in Malta & Gozo: 5 Best Swimming Spots