Let’s preserve our language

I sat down to read Henry Frendo’s very interesting article on the Maltese language (January 28) and to say that I cried is putting it mildly. How can anyone in their right mind Americanise a language that is living proof of our identity as Maltese?

Please do not continue mutilating the language...- Priscilla Camilleri, Siġġiewi

When coming up with their new words did they ever consider the hassle they were going to cause to all young children trying to learn and write two similar languages? Did they take into consideration that they are not only mutilating the language but being the cause of its demise?

What about all the books published before these regulations came into being? Are they going to be shelved to the detriment of writers and publishers? This will be a sure way of encouraging people to write in any other language but their own.

I will not accept the argument that this is the modern way. Today, it may be impossible to use a Maltese version for technicalities but that does not justify Americanising the language. In the good old days, words that couldn’t be translated would be put in inverted commas or else italicised. What is wrong with that?

No wonder the language in the media has deteriorated to a degree that it has become incomprehensible to some.

Please do not continue mutilating the language that has served us for millennia. That will only killing your culture and your identity.