Henry Frendo, Director, Institute of Maltese Studies, University of Malta, Msida
Master's in Maltese Studies
I thank Eddie Debono Taylor for his interest in Maltese Studies (The Sunday Times, August 3), now that for the first time ever our University is launching a part taught/part research degree in this subject.
I also thank the many correspondents from Malta and various other countries who responded favourably, sometimes movingly, to my article 'On being Maltese' (The Times, June 28), which also referred to the prospect of such an MA being offered.
Like every new initiative, this MA project has had to overcome some teething troubles, but we are looking forward to a successful take-off in October with the required administrative, infrastructural and academic back-up in place.
The new Rector, Juanito Camilleri, has been supportive, and it is encouraging to see some 11 or 12 students registering for it, which means that it can actually be offered as a viable postgraduate course. By Maltese standards, and first time round, this is a reasonably good turnout.
Two of several correspondents who posted messages at timesofmalta.com, or sent me e-mails about 'On being Maltese', would have preferred to have the course offered in Maltese, not in English. Dr Debono Turner, on the other hand, would prefer it if, in addition to the Institute's MA (and its Ph. Ds), we now also started to offer the MA, and also a BA, online. This, he is sure, would be welcomed by "thousands of Maltese emigrants and their children".
I wish that were true, but I am less sanguine about it. In Australia, in spite of a larger Maltese migrant presence than Canada, and some truly heroic efforts and highly talented individual achievements, state and federal funding for Maltese classes and school curriculums may be at risk due to an insufficient interest.
On the other hand, distance learning was one of the reasons why we had set up Radju Universita', which has since been re-named Campus FM. So in principle I say amen to that - I had submitted the application for its broadcasting licence - but such undertakings would require considerable funding, feasibility studies and human resources, which are often already over-stretched as they are.
I should add, however, that emigration and migrant settlement is one of the units being offered in our new MA course.
Some inter-disciplinary aspect of that could also be a research topic for the supervised dissertation in third year. Such a unit, like others, could also be taken separately, with fees payable on a pro rata basis.
In practice, this means that if students from overseas wished to register for accreditation in one or two units, they would be able to complete these during only a few months in residence.
Those who are keen on the subject, but unable or unwilling to register for such a course, including Maltese overseas, would do well to at least acquire copies of some books which deal with it instructively and fairly comprehensively.
Among these I would mention L-Identità Kulturali Maltija, edited by Toni Cortis (1989), Malta: Culture and Identity, edited by Oliver Friggieri and myself (1994), and Malta: Roots of a Nation, edited by Kenneth Gambin (2004).
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Raymond Sammut
Aug 13th 2008, 03:07
@ Franco Farrugia
"I find it silly to think that Australian authorities should fun[d] further studies in Maltese."
The contrary is true. Even the current Australian Prime Minister is well versed in a second language, which happens to be Chinese. It is one of the main federal policies in Australia that citizens learn a second language. "ghettoes" are the consequence of bad economics and not of people having a second language.
@ Henry Frendo
You seem to associate "distance learning" with radio/TV. Distance learning towards a bachelor's degree started in early 90's using physical mail. Those courses are now all done using IT and are offered to students internationally. I see no reason why UoM could not explore this type of offering (if it's not already doing so). So far as Maltese Studies offered to Maltese abroad are concerned, flexibility and not requiring residence (at lower levels) should be key to success. The main target would be children of Maltese emigrants who had the opportunity to practice Maltese at home. Durable and accredited units of study at various levels (pre-uni to bachelor's) offered through a local uni using IT should be viable.
Maria Ferstl
Aug 10th 2008, 12:20
@Franco Farrugia
I agree 100 % about Australia. Generally as an Austrian I can't understand the concept of the "Maltin ta' barra". There seems to be no Maltese TV or radio station without at least one programme about the "link" between Malta and Australia. But those people have chosen to belong to a different nation, or not? A nation with a different language and culture. And this is what they should cultivate to get along well there! Bilingualism is a positive thing. But after some generations what for? BTW I would automatically lose my Austrian citizenship if I applied for another one and become a foreigner!
It sounds so absurd. Someone knowing nothing about the 2 countries and following the Maltese media would get the impression that Maltese is the language of Australia and English that of Malta and not, as it is, vice-versa. Please, Maltese, do something for the level of Maltese in your country and leave the Australians in peace and quiet!
As for your first point... as a foreigner, if I had the chance to live in Malta, I might be interested in the course... but rather only if it were taught in Maltese!
Franco Farrugia
Aug 10th 2008, 10:55
I applaud every effort made at promoting Malta and Maltese studies.
I also have full confidence in Dr Frendo.
However, he still did not answer the question with regard to why such a course of studies is not taught in Maltese.
Personally - this is my opinion - I find it hard to believe that non-Maltese are going to be interested in this course. Hard to believe, yet possible, of course.
Another point I I wish to mention: now, I am all in favour of promoting the Maltese language. But for heaven's sake, let's not expect Maltese emigrants to continue regarding the Maltese language as their language. I find it silly to think that Australian authorities should fun further studies in Maltese. On the contrary, if I were the Australian authorities, I would be AGAINST such studies since I would be AGAINST the creation of ghettoes and social groupings - these would all go against total integration on the part of migrants into the one social fabric which is the country accepting these migrants.
I mean to say that once you left your country to start a new life abroad, every effort has to be made towards integration.