Bombastic psychologism

One of my favourite TV stations is Net TV and I fail to understand why so few people watch it - according to statistics. Maybe many people watch it when nobody is looking and this is not taken into statistical account. Recently, the station even employed some new, very sympathetic personnel.

Due to the nature of my work, I tend to pay more attention than most to the linguistics of participants on radio and TV. I often feel amused at the expression "attack" used by some newscasters in reaction to someone's criticism of some phenomenon. If, for example, I say that I don't like pizza, some newscasters will declare in horror: "Anthony attacks pizza!" Which may be true if I am very hungry. The ghastliness expressed may be slightly puerile and emotional but it is certainly very sweet and enjoyable - especially if divulged by enthusiastic broadcasters.

Less amusing

On this favourite TV station, I also saw a less amusing news item which I couldn't believe and had to confirm it by consulting my favourite electronic paper Maltarightnow. (This consultation reminds me of a news item about a cultural event on another paper when I was naïvely told by a reader to double-check newspaper info on internet!) There was something about some new learning zone in a public school and at one moment the Net camera focused on the sign on top of a room called Psycho-social Therapy Room.

Indeed, children with a challenging behaviour difficulty in schools of the Education Division may be directed to visit this room with an uninviting name. Aren't we supposed to make things as pleasant as possible for children with difficulties? And do we do this by asking them to visit a room with an unpleasant name such as Psycho-social Therapy Room? Imagine children telling their parents at home that they saw your child entering the Psycho-social Therapy Room - the room with the possibly stigmatising name.

More emphasis on the above comes from my correspondence with Paul Cooper, who was recently in Malta on an invitation by the Education Division. Prof. Cooper is a chartered psychologist, professor of education at the University of Leicester and editor of the quarterly journal Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. Here is his letter to me last Sunday: "Dear Dr Licari, I tend to agree with you that the use of terms such as 'psycho' and 'therapy' can be easily misconstrued, especially by school students and some parents. It is usually better to choose more neutral terms. Regards, Paul."

It is thus imperative that such a name is removed ASAP, since, while a service of this type is necessary, the bombasticisation of counselling names may have an opposite, harmful effect.

Balluta and beyond

Hats off to the St Julians mayor's reassurance to residents: "Balluta Square is part of my childhood and I feel protective towards it as do all council members." A PQ by Robert Arrigo to the PM re Balluta has now been answered.

I do not know anyone in favour of pretty Balluta square undergoing parking "development", firstly because the public transport system will be modernised, bus drivers will become sweet and people will use their private cars less. Secondly, residents are simply horrified at the idea of this rumoured land-handling of one of the few remaining areas of relaxation in the Sliema area.

Some MPs also spoke to me about a photo in The Times by the Ramblers Association with freshly blocked countryside passages. Lawrence Gonzi is aware of this. He had also participated in a Ramblers' walk when I wasn't there (but not because I wasn't there) and I am told that he scampered well on the rocks. If he likes this activity, surely he wishes to protect it.

Often, the Sliema Residents Association, local councils, Ramblers and Nature Trust have made suggestions that were not listened to. For example, Ramblers hope to see countryside passages put clearly on official maps and respected by everyone without arrogance.

French EO

Congrats to new French Education Officer Joe Brincat. It's the start of a new, progressive phase in French pedagogy in Malta.

Pulitzer Prize for Cartoons

I had the pleasure of seeing the 2009 Pulitzer prize-winning political cartoons. The fine talent is obvious and, as in literature, each cartoon tells a story about the background of the cartoon and the cartoonist. The cartoonist makes sure that his/her cartoon is enjoyable to all - even to those who don't agree with his/her politics and often a top class cartoonist has none. Above all, one may notice the social maturity of the Pulitzer Prize cartoonists and their lack of political emotion and prejudice - sad phenomena capable of spoiling talent.

Dr Licari teaches psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics.