Is there a universal definition of word or sentence? Do languages tend to become more similar over time or do they become more different?

Much of the social commentary and conversation about language use in Malta focuses on how well or how badly the population use the official languages. Often omitted is the fact that languages cannot ever have developed in a vacuum. Dialects, language varieties, different forms of languages or even a mix of our languages must have come from somewhere. They must have gradually taken shape in response to the feedback, constraints or needs of our society.

A thought-provoking talk will be held by Dr Sarah Grech from the Centre for English Proficiency at the University of Malta who, together with the audience, will explore one or two features of Maltese-English, which can better illustrate just how deeply entwined the Maltese language is within society.

The talk will be held on Wednesday, 7 February at 7pm at the Music Room at Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier in Valletta. Following the talk there will be a lively discussion where Dr Grech will be answering questions from the audience. Some refreshments will also be served.

Malta Café Scientifique can be found on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Malta.Cafe.Scientifique and online http://bit.ly/MCSCIweb. One can now view events and subscribe to the mailing list from the website.

Malta Café Scientifique thanks the Steam project, funded as an Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnership, Spazju Kreattiv for hosting this event, the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists (of which Malta Café Scientifique forms part).