A matter of language

It appears that the correct way to refer to the town of Sliema still continues to engage some people's minds, judging from the spate of correspondence appearing in The Times every now and then.

However, all three corespondents who entered into the debate so far, seem to have somewhat befuddled views on the matter because all of them have conveniently ignored in what language one will be talking about the town of Sliema.

If you are talking in Maltese you will naturally say: "Jiena sejjer Tas-Sliema" and not "sejjer Sliema". But if you are talking in English you will say: "I am going to Sliema" not to "Tas-Sliema".

Moreover, if you are talking in Italian you even add the article and say: "Vado alla Sliema".

Consequently, how you refer to Sliema all boils down to what language you are talking in!

Hopefully, that settles once and for all, all arguments on how Sliema ought to be referred to.