The way we speak is not the way we write, and good writers often find themselves in difficulty when they are asked to deliver an impromptu speech.

But, as you rightly point out in your leader Language, please (TMID, 7 November), Maltese media presenters should be able to ask their questions and/or make an argument in good, well-spoken Maltese.

After all, it is our language and the media plays a big role in keeping the language alive. It is really disappointing that the media – which has, among its roles, that of educating the people – lacks people who can speak Maltese well.

The problem is that nobody seems to be doing anything about it. So long as the programme has a sizeable viewership, it does not matter if the presenter lacks the ability to speak the language properly. So long as the arguments are hot and attract people to the television set, it does not matter if the Maltese spoken by the presenter is often horrendous.

I believe that the station owners should do all they can to employ people who know how to speak Maltese well.

But it seems that today everyone can become a presenter. No wonder the quality of our programmes is deteriorating so much, along with our language.

C. Saliba

Zebbug