As a medium which uses the English language to communicate with its readers and followers, it may seem strange to many that we write this editorial to defend and promote the Maltese language.

All of us at The Malta Independent hold the Maltese language close to our hearts and, in spite of not using it to reach out, we understand the need that it should be upheld and safeguarded for generations to come.

We are lucky that English is ingrained in our culture, as it enables us to be part of the globalised world where its use is widespread. But we are then luckier that we have our own language, Maltese, which forms part of our identity and which should always be protected.

Last week, President George Vella reiterated his office’s commitment to the correct use of the Maltese language. “With every misplacement, with every unwanted mark or stain, we would be destroying the quintessential seal of what makes us Maltese - the language of our country,” he said when addressing the annual award ceremony “Gieh l-Akkademja tal-Malti”.

A language is alive and continuously changes, these days more than ever as it is constantly being bombarded by the influence of other languages which we regularly come across on our television sets and social media. It therefore must adapt and evolve, but at the same time it must not lose the foundations which already enrich it.

It is sad to note that the advent of the social media exposed many limits. One often cringes at the type of language that is used, and the mis-spelling of easy words, not to mention the grammatical errors. Very often these errors are committed by people who should be setting an example. Then then have the temerity to say they are proud to be Maltese.

What is worse is that the traditional media often also is responsible for the denigration of the Maltese language. We are not perfect, and we are also guilty of making our own mistakes (in English). But when one sees a constant misuse of the Maltese language – both when it comes to writing, as well as when one is speaking on radio and TV – then the struggle to defend Maltese becomes more difficult. This is because the average man in the street believes that what is written or said in the media is correct and/or acceptable, and so repeats it.

It is also sad to note that there are Maltese people who are unable to express themselves in Maltese, and use only English as a means of communication. It contrasts with the effort that many foreigners who live in Malta make to learn Maltese and become more integrated in our way of life. Conversely, there are then foreigners who have been living here for decades and who still refuse to consider even trying to learn a few words in Maltese.

The protection of our language should start in our schools, where Maltese should be given the utmost importance. Learning to speak and write one’s language is paramount in the overall educational development of every single student.

We should be proud that a country of just 500,000 people has its own language, and that many Maltese who have settled abroad continue to pass it on to their sons and daughters. Let us all work hard to defend our language.