I refer to Mr Joseph Zammit’s letter, Learning Maltese (TMID, 24 October) and I fully agree with him that foreigners who live here will integrate much better with the Maltese society if they make an effort to learn the Maltese language, at least the basics of it.

I am a foreigner who is married to a Maltese person and have been living here for two years. Although it is not compulsory to learn or speak Maltese, I still find that it will be my loss if I don’t make an effort to learn it. The locals here are so warm and friendly and to integrate with them is a blessing. Moreover, there are many beautiful local activities going on the whole year round which are conducted in Maltese and they fascinate me. I know that I would appreciate them more if I understand the language.

I love Maltese songs, be it modern or folkloristic ones. There is a kind of “character” in them, which I find hard to describe. They are just splendid. Once, my husband gave me a print of a Maltese hymn at the St George’s feast in Gozo and I sang along with the Gorgani after being briefed by him. I cannot describe how I felt singing it in Maltese.

During my exploration of Malta and Gozo, I met some friendly villagers. They welcomed me with warm smiles and some tried very hard to communicate with me in English because they could hardly speak it, nor understand it. However, they humbly apologised that they could not speak it fluently to try to make me understand them. That humble attitude accompanied with a sincere smile became a motivation for me to learn their language. Why shouldn’t I be the one to speak their language and tell them how much their hospitality is appreciated, I asked myself then?

Lately, a friend informed me that the Education Ministry has been organising Maltese lessons for foreigners at a local school. Without any hesitation, I registered for this year’s course.

Although I was told by many that Maltese language is hard, I did not let it discourage me. Indeed, my Maltese friends encouraged me and gave me guidance. After attending a few lessons, I was able to “reward” my friends’ goodwill with some Maltese phrases.

I am so glad that my Maltese husband who had been away from Malta for 36 years didn’t forget his mother tongue. He still reads and writes Maltese fluently. He is my walking dictionary whenever I need him. He is very pleased that I am able speak and understand some phrases which I read or hear on TV and newspapers too.

Having a committed teacher definitely helps a lot and nirringrazzja hafna lill-ghalliema tieghi (I wholeheartedly thank my teacher), Ms Rita Mansueto and also my sincere gratitude goes to the ministry which facilitates the language courses for our benefit.

Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech

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