What we (the Maltese nation) do with our language today will in time reveal our collective soul as an independent people. Such is the seriousness and depth of the problems we face in our ongoing tussle with the despotic attitude of the National Council of the Maltese Language.

In an article of mine which was carried on page 26 of this same paper dated 23 May 2010, I said "The Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Malti through its Deċiżjonijiet 1... has alienated and insulted the greater majority of so many well-meaning scholars and writers of Maltese. I call upon the Prime Minister (Gonzi at the time) and the Leader of the Opposition (Muscat at the time)... to abolish the Kunsill by repealing the legislation that created this monstrosity."

What worries me most at the moment, during this passionate (and sometimes nasty) debate, is the persistent silence that yearns to erupt, but like the dormant volcano remains passively aloof amidst the tumult without. I have in mind, powerful influential individual scholars, writers and serious thinkers who, by virtue of their social standing, their intellectual aplomb, their demonstrated dedication towards their language (and country) have chosen to remain publicly silent in the face of this potential language disaster. These are respectable individuals whom I have always held in the highest echelons of esteem; bulwarks of our nation!

Oh where art thou sweet muse sublime?

Of eons past, now is the time!

Reveal thyself, thee we implore.

Bring serendipity to the fore,

Lest we bequeath calamity,

So tragically 'pon our progeny.

Alas, whither goeth the winds of time?

Roderick (Rigu) Bovingdon