Maltese 'lack interest' in poetry

Poets, publishers and writers on Saturday expressed their serious concern about the lack of interest in Maltese poetry among ordinary Maltese.

The subject was discussed at a seminar held by the National Book Council which brought together a large number of writers, poets, university lecturers, critics, publishers, librarians, broadcasters and organisers of literary evenings.

Council chairman Gorg Mallia said that in the small Maltese book market, poetry was on the lowest rung of sales. Malta as a nation had a problem in that it did not have a culture which saw poetry as entertainment. The reading of poetry was not intrinsic to the reading habits of the Maltese people. Dr Mallia said there was a need for a radical change in the way poetry was taught in schools. Very often this teaching was lacking in the human aspect. It was technical and did not touch the emotional.

Participants made several suggestions, saying there was a need for public and private broadcasting, newspapers and magazines to do their part so that the people would really learn how to love poetry. There was a need for reform in the way poetry was presented to children and poetry should also be placed prominently in public spaces.

Poets and authors were urged to visit schools to promote poetry.