People with knowledge of dialects in use in Mosta, Siggiewi and other villages are encouraged to come forward and contact Miriam Cassar, a former teacher and an author who is interested in Maltese literature.

Ms Cassar and Heritage Malta are behind the organisation of a Literary Festival to be held at the Auberge de France, the place where an eventual Maltese language museum will be set up, in Vittoriosa on September 8. The festival will be held between 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. marking Unesco's World Literacy Day.

"Some linguists argue that there are no Maltese dialects as such, but for the man in the street, the pronunciation of certain words as well as the use of certain words that are not used in other villages constitutes a dialect. And I sincerely believe that such dialects are to be preserved," she said.

So far, Ms Cassar has secured the participation of people from Birkirkara, Zejtun, Cottonera and Gozo but her wish is that there would be more widespread participation of other Maltese dialects.

A number of short passages from Maltese literature will be read out on the evening. These include both classical texts as well as texts written for the event.

Anyone interested in taking part may call Ms Cassar on 2166 7001 or 9922 6186.