A plaque commemorating Mikiel Anton Vassalli was recently unveiled by university rector Roger Ellul Micallef.

The plaque's inscribed words are taken from Vassalli's Discorso Preliminare, admonishing all those who neglect their mother tongue.

The memorial plaque was part of a conference launched by Ghaqda tal-Malti (Universita') promoting Vassalli's ideas on the Maltese language.

The main speaker was Dr Frans Ciappara, who highlighted Vassalli's contribution on Maltese as a medium of instruction and education at the end of the 18th century. The other speakers were Prof. Oliver Friggieri and Frans Sammut, both prolific writers on the subject.

The well-attended activity formed part of Evenings on Campus.

The occasion also marked the restoration of Mikiel Anton Vassalli's monument and that of poet Dun Karm, both standing close to the rectorate. A special bookmark depicting Vassalli's signature and his Stedina were issued for the special occasion.

Ghaqda tal-Malti (Universita') is planning to hold the Mikiel Anton Vassalli conference every two years.