I am Maltese-Canadian, and I was recently introduced to a website which lists all the Maltese radio stations that are available on the net. I was interested in hearing the Maltese language, in word and song.

Sadly, I have come to know that many of the Maltese stations play the type of music and talk shows that are available to me here in Canada. The only difference is that the commercials on the Maltese radio stations talk about goods that are available in Malta.

What I am trying to say is that I was disappointed to learn that all of the stations play American songs, and all of the announcers, it seems, speak mostly English and very little Maltese. I was hoping that there would be some time during the day when I could listen to Maltese songs, old and new, and hear the announcements being made in Maltese.

Is it shameful to speak in Maltese, even in Malta?

In my case, there is very little reason to speak Maltese, except with family members. Yet, if the radio stations are indicators of what is being spoken and listened to in Malta, then I need not feel too disadvantaged!!

Carm Caruana

Toronto, ON Canada