MALTA GUIDE · VISITMALTA.CO.UK
Maltese Language Phrases
Comprehensive guide · Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, with approximately 52% of its vocabulary from Italian and Sicilian. English is a co-official language in Malta, spoken fluently by virtually the entire population, making no prior knowledge of Maltese necessary for UK visitors.
Malta presents a linguistic puzzle that few other European destinations can match. Here, on sun-drenched islands in the Mediterranean, you'll encounter a language with Semitic roots written in the Latin script, a vocabulary where 'kafè' and 'tiramsù' sit comfortably alongside words that echo Arabic greetings. Yet for British visitors arriving for a holiday or business, the most remarkable fact is this: you can leave your phrasebook at home. English is not just widely spoken in Malta; it holds co-official status, used in courts, government, and daily commerce. This guide delves into the fascinating story of Maltese, from its 15th-century origins in a poem called 'Il-Kantilena' to its modern status as a European Union language that bridges continents. We'll explore the historical layers that created this linguistic hybrid and offer a few phrases that will enrich your experience, even though you'll never need them to order a coffee or ask for directions.
The Linguistic Fusion: A Language Like No Other
The Maltese language stands as a testament to the archipelago's complex history, a living museum of cultural exchange. What makes it truly remarkable is its status as the only Semitic language officially written in the Latin alphabet. This unique characteristic makes it accessible to European visitors while preserving its deep Semitic roots. The language's foundation is Arabic, with greetings like 'is-sliem għalikom' (peace be with you) being cognate with the Arabic 'as salāmu 'alaykum'. This greeting exemplifies how Maltese maintains ancient linguistic structures while embracing Romance vocabulary for more complex concepts. This fusion creates a linguistic experience that feels both familiar and wonderfully foreign to a British visitor, a language that sounds like a blend of Italian and Arabic but is written in a script you recognise.
A Historical Journey: From Siculo-Arabic to Maltese
The story of Maltese begins in the 9th century with the Fatimid Caliphate's conquest of Malta, followed by the arrival of Siculo-Arabic-speaking settlers from Sicily in the early 11th century. What makes Maltese's development unique is what happened after the Norman conquest in 1091 and the expulsion of Muslims by 1249. While the Siculo-Arabic dialect in Sicily was eventually replaced by Sicilian, the vernacular in Malta evolved in isolation, becoming a distinct language. This isolation allowed Maltese to develop its own character, separate from both its Arabic roots and the Romance languages that would later influence it. The first written reference to Maltese appears in a will from 1436, where it is called 'lingua maltensi', and the oldest known document is the 15th-century poem 'Il-Kantilena' by Pietru Caxaro, always written in the Latin alphabet.
The Vocabulary Breakdown: Arabic, Italian, and English
Maltese vocabulary is a fascinating linguistic mosaic. Analysis of the Maltese-English Dictionary shows a precise breakdown: approximately 32.41% of words are of Arabic origin, 52.46% come from Sicilian and Italian, and about 6.12% are from English. The Arabic-derived words tend to denote basic ideas and function words, forming the language's core structure. In contrast, Romance languages contributed significantly to the vocabulary as the community developed, bringing words like 'kafè' (coffee) and 'tiramsù' (tiramisu). The phonetics often follow Sicilian patterns rather than standard Italian—for example, 'tiatru' rather than 'teatro' for theater. This blend creates a language where a visitor might hear a sentence that sounds Italian but contains words with Arabic origins, a true reflection of Malta's layered past.
Maltese English: The Lingua Franca of the Islands
For UK visitors, the most important linguistic fact is the prevalence of English. English is a co-official language with constitutional status in Malta and is used throughout the public sector, courts, education, and commerce. Virtually the entire Maltese population speaks fluent English, making Malta consistently among the highest-rated non-native English-speaking countries in Europe. Maltese English has its own distinctive features; the greeting 'alright?' is commonly used, while speakers often repeat 'yes' multiple times, similar to Italian 'si, si, si'. Discourse markers like 'eh' and 'no' appear frequently, reflecting language contact with Romance languages. This means you can navigate Valletta, order in restaurants, and discuss business with complete ease, encountering only minor local variations in the English you already know.
The Written Word: Orthography and Regulation
Maltese is written using a modified Latin Alphabet that includes distinctive graphemes such as ż, ċ, ġ, ħ, and għ, which represent sounds not found in standard Italian or English. The official rules governing Maltese structure are recorded in 'Tagħrif fuq il-Kitba Maltija' (Knowledge on Writing in Maltese), first published in 1924 by the Maltese government's printing press. These rules were expanded in 1984 with 'iż-Żieda mat-Tagħrif', which addressed the growing influence of Romance and English words, and further updated in 1992. Today, the National Council for the Maltese Language (KNM) serves as the main regulator, though the Academy of the Maltese Language's orthography rules remain valid and official. This systematic approach ensures that while the language evolves, it maintains a consistent written form for official and educational purposes.
Dialects and Accents: The Local Sound of Maltese
Various localities across Malta and Gozo have developed their own accents and dialects, adding another layer of linguistic richness to the islands. However, there has been a decline in dialectal speakers due to increased exposure to standard Maltese through media and education. The standard language itself shows notable Italianization and Anglicization influences. While you might encounter subtle differences in pronunciation or local vocabulary when travelling between Gozo and the main island, these variations are unlikely to cause confusion. For visitors, the most noticeable difference will be in the English spoken, which can carry a distinct Maltese cadence and the characteristic use of discourse markers that make the local version of English immediately recognisable.
Learning Maltese Phrases: Beyond Necessity
While it is not necessary for tourists to learn any practical Maltese phrases for their visit, knowing a few can enrich your experience and endear you to locals. A simple 'bonġu' (good morning) or 'grazzi' (thank you) can open doors to warmer interactions. The greeting 'is-sliem għalikom' (peace be with you) is a beautiful example of the language's Semitic roots. For those who wish to delve deeper, understanding that Maltese has no diglossic relationship with Classical or Modern Standard Arabic makes it an accessible subject for linguists and curious visitors alike. Its morphology has been deeply influenced by Romance languages, particularly Italian and Sicilian, which has resulted in a language quite different from both Arabic and other Semitic languages, making it a fascinating, if optional, addition to your Malta experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get by in Malta without speaking Maltese?▼
Yes, it is exceptionally easy. English is a co-official language with constitutional status in Malta and is used throughout the public sector, courts, education, and commerce. Virtually the entire Maltese population speaks fluent English, making Malta consistently among the highest-rated non-native English-speaking countries in Europe. Menus, signs, timetables, and official documents are all available in English, ensuring smooth navigation for English-speaking visitors.
What is the origin of the Maltese language?▼
Maltese is a Central Semitic language derived from late medieval Sicilian Arabic with Romance superstrata. Its origins can be traced to the arrival of settlers from Sicily in the early 11th century, bringing with them the Siculo-Arabic dialect spoken in Sicily at the time, following the Fatimid Caliphate's conquest of Malta at the end of the 9th century.
What percentage of Maltese vocabulary is from Italian or Sicilian?▼
Analysis of the Maltese-English Dictionary shows that approximately 52.46% of Maltese words come from Sicilian and Italian. In contrast, about 32.41% are of Arabic origin, and roughly 6.12% are from English. The Arabic-derived words tend to denote basic ideas and function words, while Romance languages contributed significantly to the vocabulary as the community developed.
When was Maltese first officially recognised as an official language?▼
Maltese was not officially recognised as an official language until 1934. Before this, during the rule of the Knights Hospitaller, French and Italian were used for official documents, and during the British colonial period, English was encouraged through education while Italian remained important. This official recognition cemented Maltese's place alongside English in Malta's linguistic landscape.
What makes Maltese unique compared to other European languages?▼
Maltese holds the unique distinction of being the only Semitic language officially written in the Latin script and is the only official Semitic and Afroasiatic language of the European Union. It is also unique in that it has no diglossic relationship with Classical or Modern Standard Arabic, making it exceptional among varieties of historical Arabic.
Are there different dialects of Maltese spoken across the islands?▼
Yes, various localities across Malta have developed their own accents and dialects. However, there has been a decline in dialectal speakers due to increased exposure to standard Maltese through media and education. The standard language itself shows notable Italianization and Anglicization influences, but the differences between dialects are not significant enough to cause confusion for visitors.
Do I need to learn Maltese phrases for business in Malta?▼
No, you do not need to learn Maltese for business in Malta. English is used throughout commerce and the public sector, and virtually the entire Maltese population speaks fluent English. While learning a few phrases like 'grazzi' (thank you) can be a nice gesture, it is not a practical necessity for conducting business effectively in Malta.
Key Facts
- ✓Maltese is the only Semitic language officially written in the Latin alphabet and the only official Semitic language of the European Union.
- ✓Approximately 52.46% of Maltese vocabulary comes from Sicilian and Italian, while 32.41% is of Arabic origin.
- ✓English is a co-official language with constitutional status in Malta and is spoken fluently by virtually the entire population.
- ✓The first written reference to Maltese appears in a will from 1436, and the oldest known document is the 15th-century poem 'Il-Kantilena'.
- ✓Maltese was officially recognised as an official language in 1934, alongside English.
- ✓Maltese has no diglossic relationship with Classical or Modern Standard Arabic, making it unique among historical Arabic varieties.
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