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Glite Dictionary
Maltese language

Maltese language

8.6
The national language of Malta with Arabic roots and many European words
  • noun
  • /mɔːlˈtiːz ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
translation icon : idioma maltés
  • The unique blend of Arabic roots and European vocabulary makes the Maltese language fascinating to linguists.

Examples

  • Although English is widely spoken in Malta, the official language is Maltese language.

  • She is fluent in the Maltese language thanks to her family heritage.

  • The Maltese language is unique in its structure.

  • Many people learn the Maltese language as a second language.

  • The unique blend of Arabic roots and European vocabulary makes the Maltese language fascinating to linguists.

  • She is fluent in the Maltese language thanks to her family heritage.

  • Many people learn the Maltese language as a second language.

Synonyms

Maltese
vsMaltese language
8.8

The national language of Malta

frames the language by family membership instead of stressing historical origin
Malti
vsMaltese language
9.9

A language spoken in Malta that comes from Arabic with Italian, Spanish, and French words

treats the language as a Semitic national tongue rather than focusing on derivation

Surface Forms

Maltese language singular
Maltese languages plural

Morphology

Maltese + language

The meaning 'the national language of Malta' follows directly from combining 'Maltese' (relating to Malta) with 'language' (a system of speech), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE meaning. This adjective+noun composition is cross-linguistically common and therefore immediately comprehensible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Maltese language simply means the language of the people of Malta: Maltese (people from Malta) + language (the way they speak). It grew from old Arabic but picked up many words from Italian, Spanish and French as different rulers and visitors came, so today 'Maltese language' refers to this unique 'national language'.