Religions and languages in Malta

Historically, almost all of Malta’s existence until its full independence was as a colony of various states. It is believed that the first people to colonize the territory were the Phoenicians. After all, they were the ones that gave the Island its name (in the Phoenician language the word “malta” means “shelter” or “secret place”). After the Phoenicians, came the ancient Greeks, but the island however retained its name, further strengthening it. The historical integration of Malta has led to the complete disappearance of the ancient Greek and Phoenician languages from the Islands. This is attributed to the fact that the local population still exclusively preserved their native Maltese language. The territory is recorded to have constantly experienced a change in rulers. There were at different times Arabs, representatives of the Byzantine Empire, Spaniards, and also representatives of the Norman state.

It was Charles the fifth who managed to occupy the governor’s post for the first time in a long time. He was considered one of the most majestic leaders of the entire Roman Empire. The conquest took place at the beginning of the 18th century. This fact has contributed to the development of the Italian language in the territory of Malta. And, it is worth noting that even today a certain part of the local population speaks this language. Two and a half centuries later, the territory was seized by the French, led by Napoleon. Naturally, the French language also spread on the territory. At the same time, it is worthwhile to understand that at that time it was difficult to create an impeccable linguistic culture. In the beginning of the 19th century this territory fell under the patronage of Great Britain. Since that time, both French and Italian on the territory of the islands have backed down, creating a unique opportunity for the English language to establish itself as one of the main linguistic tools of the Maltese islands.

Despite the constant change of foreign governments, the local population of the islands did not lose their love for their own mother tongue. Almost 99 percent of the population of the Islands today speaks this language. In addition, quite a large percentage of people also understand English. Although, after the Republic of Malta achieved its full independence, the English language became less popular and was associated with the invaders. This does not however mean that English-speaking tourists on the islands are perceived with less enthusiasm. With each New Year of its independence, the local population is becoming more loyal towards the British, especially in view of the fact that for many years it was Great Britain that Malta has been cooperating with within the European Union. About 66% of the local population speaks excellent Italian. It is worth noting that this language is closer to the heart of the Maltese. Today less than 15% of the population speaks French, while Maltese and English are the official languages ​​of the country. In everyday life, more than 90% of the local population uses Maltese. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If we wish to talk about the religious life of Malta, then it will not be as an official branch of the state. But, in any case, faith has a rather big influence in the life of the Maltese. Malta is considered a Catholic country and about 98% of the local population believe themselves to be Catholics. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that it is impossible to identify a truly dedicated religious individual. Most of the believers attend church only on great holidays or in the case of weddings, funerals or conversion to the Catholic faith of newborns. In families it is customary to engage children in religious worship from birth. There are even some kindergartens in the country, which belong to monasteries, and prayers are taught in many schools from the first grade. Such a subject as “Religion” is mandatory for study in all schools of the Republic.

It is worth mentioning that despite the fact that the State does not openly support any of the existing religious trends, strict religious expurgation operates within the country, thanks to religious education. For example, in Malta, it is not allowed to operate a sex shop or strip bar. The sales and distribution of publications with erotic content is also illegal. In addition, abortion is prohibited in the country. Divorce was even some time ago banned on the Islands. As a result of this action, majority of the local population still prefer to live exclusively in civil marriages, so as not to mock God. The next most common religion is Islam. There is even one mosque on the island. In view of the fact that new migrants are constantly arriving on the territory, the number of other religious denominations is increasing. Although local residents are known to be sufficiently biased towards the spread of new religions on their territory, open hostility has so far not yet been experienced.