English and Maltese can live side by side
But not in the same sentence
Writers of badly worded messages in broken English littered with Maltese words beware because the international educational union is out to restore dignity to the language.
The English Speaking Union's Malta branch will work to improve what is perceived as falling standards of written and spoken English by holding educational events.
"I do not see the ESU Malta branch as a complete cure but only as a small cog in a greater movement of educationalists and English language practitioners determined to arrest and reverse the declining standards of spoken and written English in this country," said Malta's High Commissioner to the UK, Michael Refalo, who took the initiative to set up the ESU in Malta.
Noting that two attempts to bring in the ESU had failed in the mid-1980s, he thanked Labour education spokesman Evarist Bartolo for his endorsement.
The local branch of the international educational organisation, present in about 52 countries, will be led by a steering committee chaired by Martin Scicluna.
Speaking during the launch on Thursday, Mr Scicluna said the ESU was building on the work of existing bodies - such as the British Cultural Association, the Royal British Legion and the Rotary Club of Malta - that worked to promote the language.
He said the steering committee had already met to set up three working groups to take care of membership, the 2009 programme of events and fund-raising activities. Following brainstorming sessions, they will be coming together in February to draft the first programme.
He stressed that setting up the ESU was based on the absolute and utter respect of the autonomy of Maltese.
"The encouragement of the use of good spoken and written English poses no threat to the Maltese language... On the contrary, it underlines what we should be striving for - that is, the attainment of good spoken and written Maltese as well as good spoken and written English," he said.
Mr Scicluna explained how the ESU will work closely with schools, the University and other organisations to raise the standards of written and spoken English, encourage its enjoyment and constructive use through educational programmes, provide cultural activities in English and focus on current issues through regular and international conferences, seminars and meetings.
The ESU will also enhance international understanding and friendship through the use of the language and promote the art of public speaking and debate.
Picking up on this last point, Education Minister Dolores Cristina said she hoped the ESU would tackle the debating element.
"Unfortunately, in Malta we do not have a debating society, so perhaps this can be one of the ESU's first tasks."
She stressed that English - spoken by a quarter of the world's population - gave Maltese the ability and the means to attract business, commerce and visitors to the island, providing a "huge competitive edge".