Revel Barker, Għajnsielem
Speaking politely
John Bates in The Correct Language To Be Polite (February 18) suggests that foreigners should learn at least a few words of Maltese, even though English is supposedly an official language here.
Fair enough. But in nearly 40 years I have never heard a Maltese use the word “please” in a shop, bar or restaurant – in any language.
On the other hand, there cannot be anybody on these islands (surely?) who does not understand the meaning of “good morning”, so Tim Waters’ complaint (February 9) about getting no response to it was surely justifiable.
However, if a Maltese needs to turn away to address another person, he’ll invariably say: “Forgive my back” while doing so, which is astonishingly polite – and an expression that would be unrecognised in England or elsewhere.
Popular Stories
In Discussion
19 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
joe micallef
Feb 23rd, 14:36
Hey Mr Barker,
In 40 years you haven't heard any 'native' of these islands use the word please?
Than it either you are deaf or such a well off guy that you use 'natives' to beat about your daily petty needs without venturing from your abode!!
It could also mean during these 40 years you resisted mixing with local 'natives'!
Keep on barking mate!!
Andrew Cachia
Feb 23rd, 11:57
I'm half English half Maltese and speak Maltese poorly - though I would love to improve.
In some countries when you try to speak the local language, they encourage you and respond very positively.
Speaking from personal experience and in complete honesty, my (not so poor I believe) attempts have never been met with much warmth in Malta.
Mr Wenzu Vella, I can only assume you are one of the lovely few, who are very patient with non-speakers trying out a few words (even when you know it would be easier for both just to speak English).
joe micallef
Feb 23rd, 14:59
Lame excuse Andrew,
Talking from experience here in Malta and else where in Europe only those whom insisted in curbing the local lingo are met with less warmth.
My partner was born in Rhodesia, lived in the UK and her dad is a londoner.
She speaks excellent Maltese accent and all
Having a 50/50 Maltese parental unit did not compel her to look down the Maltese lingo- her dad insisted it was important!
It only takes a little humble acceptance that we Maltese are a nation and proud of the fact we have a lingo that represents us as such
Yes English is an official language in Malta but local lingo is much better a communication amongst locals here
Have you been in any pub in London where Maltese was preferred over the English lingo?
Have you ever travelled to Italy and was greeted in English as preference over the italian lingo?
Andrew Cachia
Feb 23rd, 16:46
I don't think that its a lame excuse at all Joe
I am in full agreement that everyone should make an effort with local language, wherever in the world they might be. It is arrogant to expect people to speak English, whether it is a commonly spoken language or not.
As a linguist myself - a former student of Modern Languages, former language teacher and currently living in France, I am fully aware of how important pressing the importance of language onto younger generations is.
My point however, is that efforts are not always warmly received by locals. I don't know if you've ever seen a tourist attempt to use Maltese to get a bus ticket in Malta, but I have, and its enough to put anyone off trying!
Your partner is indeed lucky. Maltese was never pressed onto me in this way, and I've found the few self-teaching books and programs that are available to be fairly useless.
Wenzu Vella
Feb 23rd, 07:48
Mr Barker as usual expressing your superiority over my humble Maltese brethren. Shame on you sir 40 years receiving top service from the locals and you have not made an attempt to learn even a few words in Maltese.
You have chosen to live in Malta and not the South of France because perhaps Malta or in your case beautiful GOZO is because you have been living a better life and treated with respect that you would not get from the French unless you speak to them in their language.
Joseph Scicluna
Feb 23rd, 05:36
"in nearly 40 years I have never heard a Maltese use the word “please” in a shop, bar or restaurant". The word "please" is being detected as spam in your audio receiving circiut!
Audrey Burns
Feb 22nd, 23:08
As a frequent visitor to Malta I would love to learn at least a few words of Maltese so I can be polite in your language- please, thank you ,good morning etc, however Maltese is not taught anywhere in Scotland as far as I know. Perhaps a little leaflet given out at the airport with a few useful phrases might help?
Paul Caruana
Feb 22nd, 20:32
Barker ... the dog who barks but does not bite!
Are you sure you even live in Malta/Gozo?
PLEASE be wise ... don't generalise!
S Micallef
Feb 22nd, 14:57
we must have never been in the same shop at the same time as I always say "please" as do the rest of my family.
Saviour Sam Agius
Feb 22nd, 12:41
There are ways of being polite without using the word "please" (Jekk jogħġbok) in Maltese.
Look at the following:
Ma tgħaddilix waħda l-melħ? (Would you please pass me the salt?)
Għaddili waħda l-melħ. (Pass me the salt, please)
Għaddili l-melħ. (Pass me the salt)
The first example is more polite than the second and the second is more so than the third, and yet there is no please involved in any of them. Each language has its own way of saying things.
S Micallef
Feb 22nd, 14:59
your translations are incorrect. where is the "jekk joghbok" in your maltese version?
Tony Stivala
Feb 22nd, 15:11
A man walks into a village cafe and shouts towards the man behind the bar
" Ghamel te'"
How do you interpret that?
Christian Sciberras
Feb 22nd, 12:40
"Fair enough. But in nearly 40 years I have never heard a Maltese use the word “please” in a shop, bar or restaurant – in any language."
While I can't speak for the rest of the population, I've always been polite in such situations. Too polite, even.
alfred camilleri
Feb 22nd, 12:40
Are you serious? Further comments would be superfluous
Graham Holme
Feb 22nd, 10:46
Message on the answering machine Australia social security department
"Good morning,if you speak English press 1,,, if you do not,then phone back when you do"
Gerry Cowie
Feb 22nd, 09:32
I have noticed that people will push past or knock into you and say "sorry" - I think this replaces "excuse me"!
Nathan Young
Feb 22nd, 09:50
The term 'mind my back or forgive my back' is in common use in the U.K.
Revel Barker
Feb 23rd, 02:48
I don't know where you iived in the UK. But as I say, I never heard that expression.
Nathan Young
Feb 23rd, 20:45
Re.Revel Barker.
I lived on the Isle of Wight and in Cheltenham.