A country's language is symbolic of it's people and their history. Over the centuries, Maltese has been shaped by a number of influentual countries. |
Stepping into a new country is always exhilarating, especially when you are faced with the challenge of communication. Upon your arrival in Malta you will not only be captured by the warm welcome you will receive but also the ease of communicating as English is so widely spoken because Maltese people are bi-lingual, English as well as Maltese are national languages.
The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans all contributed to the development of Maltese which is why it is a language all of its own.
However it was the invasion of the Arabs that had the most profound effect, hence it is a Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet with a twist of Italian and French and a few English words thrown in. Maltese is now listed as an official EU language.
You will be able to get your first Maltese lesson by hearing a few common phrases in Maltese below.(Please ensure that your speakers are on!) It is a difficult language to pick up so with a little help from these useful phrases you will be able to gain a better understanding of the pronunciation and meaning.
Your First Maltese Lesson |
| Click on the links below to hear the Maltese Pronounciation. |
| English | Maltese | Listen |
| Hello | Merhba |  Play |
| Good day | Bongu | Play |
| Bye | Sahha | Play |
| Please | Jekk Joghgbok | Play |
| Thank you | Grazzi | Play |
| That one | Dak | Play |
| How much? | Kemm? | Play |
| Yes | Iva | Play |
| No | Le | Play |
| Sorry | Jiddispjacini | Play |
| I don't understand | Ma nifhimx | Play |
| Cheers | Sahha | Play |
| Do you speak English? | Titkellem bl-Ingliz? | Play |
| What's your name? | X'jismek | Play |
| My name is James | Jien jisimni James | Play |
| Malta is a beautiful island | Malta hija gzira sabiha | Play |
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