Maltese Population Benefits from Having Two Official Languages: Maltese and English

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The Maltese population benefits from having two official languages; Maltese and English. Unfortunately in recent years, it appears the standard of English has deteriorated rapidly in Malta, with English ‘O' level examiners describing the candidates' use of the language as, ‘worryingly infantile'. It is being considered a great asset by employers for their staff to be bilingual, that is, to be fluent in both Maltese and English. Therefore, it is imperative that the stigma that exists towards English speakers be eradicated from the country in order for the population to move forward as a united front in the competitive world. The English-Speaking Union (ESU)is an international organisation which has introduced English speaking programmes into Maltese primary schools to help children develop their language skills and become proficient in the spoken word.

John DeGiorgio, Head of ESU in Malta, takes particular notice of the skills the staff he recruits possess. One of the skills looked for in a potential employee is bilingualism. Mr. DeGiorgio believes that being fluent in both Maltese and English opens doors to international customer markets and can help strengthen relationships with foreign clients. As a business man himself, Mr. DeGiorgio understands what employers seek in a profitable employee and deems proficiency in the spoken word to be a great asset in the world of work. He explains that children who are only partial to one language may be held back from advancement in their future careers. The ESU runs a pilot project in Primary schools around the country called, "Arm of Support". This programme integrates spoken English with playtime and has seen very positive results in both the par...

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..., in all aspects of education will prove beneficial to the country's economy and also to society as a whole.

Works Cited

Cooke, P. (2014, 5th January). English is Key to Success. Times of Malta. Retrieved from: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140105/local/-English-is-key-to-success-.501384#.Us128FtDvBM

Debono, J. (2013, 25th December). Examiners flag ‘worryingly infantile’ use of English in ‘O’ level. Malta Today. Retrieved from: http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/32600/examiners-flag-worryingly-infantile-use-of-english-in-o-level-20131223#.UybJ2_ldXK1

Vella, M. (2013, 25th December). Stipends won’t solve Malta’s problem with ‘low achievers’, expert says. Malta Today. Retrieved from: http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/32602/stipends-won-t-solve-malta-s-problem-with-low-achievers-expert-says-20131223#.UybK5_ldXK0

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