Allow me to refer to the article “What to say and how to write it” by Stephen Calleja (TMIS, 11 December).

I merely want to express my agreement with the considerations expressed in the article. The writer’s thoughts very nearly reflect my sentiments on the matter, and I felt the need to react to it in some way, even if only by way of this letter.

My position also gives me the opportunity to look at CVs, and I encounter the same difficulties that Mr Calleja mentions. I find the lack of the most basic tenets pertaining to writing and expressing oneself (spelling, style, grammar, consistency, precision) appalling. Yet, despite it being such an evident matter, I feel I am fighting a losing battle. 

Even worse, this evident shortcoming does not seem to worry the Maltese, be they authorities or individuals. Each time I bring this matter up, even if it is only by way of casual conversation, the reaction I get is more often than not one of complete indifference. 

The problem, in many cases, does not even begin to be perceived as one.

When I observe the state of some roads and buildings, the lack of foresight in planning, the lack of aesthetics and style, a disorganised manner of doing things and of thinking, and so on, I begin to understand that, after all, our language can only reflect this state of affairs. Unfortunately, I have to generalise, even though I know that not everyone in Malta is like that, and that not everything in Malta is that bad. 

Unfortunately, however, a change in our attitude towards spelling and grammar, be it in the English, Italian or Maltese language, has to happen as a result of a change from within ourselves.

Reading Mr Calleja’s article last Sunday, I thought that there is still a glimmer of hope. Please do keep it up. We should be able to do it after all.

Paul Borg

SLIEMA