I refer to Prof. Henry Frendo's letter entitled "Maltese language: what future?" (TMIS, 12th July).
The work carried out by the National Council for the Maltese Language has been of enormous benefit to this sector.
Besides the vast amount of other work, it strengthened spelling standardization and is revising the spelling of English loan words in Maltese. This exercise is taking into account all opinions, contrary to what was stated by Prof. Frendo.
This exercise is being carried out by people highly qualified in Maltese and is taking considerable time as it will impact teaching and writing. It is being done following a well-attended public seminar and numerous consultative meetings with various sectors. It is not acceptable that a person who is a historian rather than a linguist should dictate how Maltese should be written.
In Maltese circles, technical discussion regarding the spelling expanded when the Council, together with the university's Department of Maltese, started holding a course for proof-readers in Maltese. At present, the 10th course is underway and, in addition to the 56 persons attending the Tal-Qroqq and Xewkija Campuses, the number of certified proof-readers in Maltese has now reached 309.
Every year, the course is eagerly sought by teachers, students, broadcasters, civil servants, employees in private sectors and others. This means that knowledge of good Maltese orthography is spreading through Maltese society as never before.
Apart from the technical skills of proof-reading, the course also teaches the history and roots of Maltese and imparts a love for our native tongue which will last a lifetime and be passed on.
Our association was born out of this course and we will participate fully in the public consultation launched by the Minister.
Karl Scicluna
Għaqda Qarrejja tal-Provi tal-Malti