I refer to Henry Frendo’s article ‘Maltese language: what future?’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, July 12).

The work carried out by the National Council for the Maltese Language has been of enormous benefit to this sector.

Besides the vast amount of other work, it strengthened spelling standardisation and is revising the spelling of English loan words in Maltese. This exercise is taking into account all opinions, contrary to what was stated by Frendo.

This exercise is being carried out by people highly qualified in Maltese and is taking considerable time as it will impact teaching and writing. It is being done following a well-attended public seminar and numerous consultative meetings with various sectors. It is not acceptable that a person who is a historian rather than a linguist should dictate how Maltese can be written.

In Maltese circles, technical discussion regarding the spelling expanded when the council, together with the University Department of Maltese, commenced holding a course for proof readers in Maltese. At present, the 10th course is under way and, in addition to the 56 people attending the Tal-Qroqq and Xewkija campuses, the number of certified proof readers in Maltese now amounts to 309.

Every year, the course is eagerly sought by teachers, students, broadcasters, civil servants, employees in private sectors and others. This means that knowledge of good Maltese orthography is spreading through Maltese society as never before.

Apart from the technical skills of proof reading, the course also teaches the history and roots of Maltese and imparts a love of our native tongue, which will last a lifetime and be passed on.

Our association was born out of this course and we will participate fully in the public consultation launched by the Education Minister.