I cannot but agree with correspondent John Ellis about the ear-hurting mispronunciation of words like ‘taraha’ and ‘tarahom’, particularly by the young (but even by the not-so- young) generation.

I believe that nothing is being done to correct this trend.

Not only, but some years back, a person from the Matsec Division at the University, who used to participate in a midday programme on TV explaining difficulties about the Maltese language raised by the presenter and viewers, even said that since many were pronouncing these words (incorrectly), we have to start accepting the new (incorrect) pronunciation!

As with illegal buildings and other wrongdoing, they are sanctioned to seem to conform with the law, this time however without even paying a fine.

No wonder things don’t improve if those in authority, instead of taking the bull by the horns, give in and say there’s nothing to be done as the damage is beyond repair.

I hope that all Maltese language associations will join forces to study the plight our language is in.