A new book about the Maltese language, Maltese Through English, seeks to delve more deeply into our native language.

These texts are especially ideal as a showcase for the new spelling reform which has been in force since 2008, which is completely integrated in the book

Written by Lorna Vassallo, the book includes a wide overview of the grammar and vocabulary of contemporary Maltese in a contemporary Malta and introduces a lot of new elements to Maltese grammar, explaining some of the enigmas that have never been dealt with so far.

Vassallo is an experienced teacher who has put herself in the shoes of any Maltese/foreign student, whether teenager or adult.

Although mainly aimed at foreigners, second-generation Maltese immigrants and children coming from mixed families, the 462-page book also incorporates all the Matsec O level grammar syllabus. Here, explanations are all offered in English, according to the principle where one language comes in to help the learner understand another.

The book gives words of English origin their due importance in today’s Maltese and discusses elements that tend to be avoided by some authors.

It also includes 28 conversations in contemporary Maltese, with situations ranging from paying at the counter, ordering at the cafeteria and asking for directions, to discussing the village festa and going to the beach.

These texts are especially ideal as a showcase for the new spelling reform which has been in force since 2008, which is completely integrated in the book. Each text is accompanied by a vocabulary box with the English equivalent neatly laid down beside it. A group of basic vocabulary lists by topic also enhances the usefulness of the book.

The book is intended to take the learner/student on a journey from raw beginner to fluent speaker in the case of foreigners and to provide all that’s necessary for any native speaker to take their spelling seriously.

In the author’s own words, “Maltese has become the proof-reader’s language nowadays. The Maltese misspell their own language across the board... there is absolutely no one to look up to when writing in Maltese but a few proofreaders and a handful of Maltese teachers. This book is a rare attempt at trying to change this situation”.

Maltese Through English is available from leading book stores.