I have followed with interest the articles, letters and opinion pieces in various newspapers. To me it appears that the changes to the Maltese language, which the Kunsill Nazzjonali ta’ l-Ilsien Malti has imposed, have impoverished the language.

Words which show a distinct meaning, such as skont (discount) and skond (according to), have been rolled into one word so that they are not distinct in meaning as they were before the existence of the council.

I have deliberately written “ta’ l-Ilsien Malti” and not “tal-Ilsien Malti” as imposed by the council, to highlight one of its unnecessary whims. Ta’ l- in front of a word starting with a vowel is standard, correct, distinguishing, internalised and accepted. So why the unnecessary change?

While it is true that languages evolve, it is also true that languages expand and are not robbed of existing vocabulary and orthography.

It is also true that languages should be respected and not demeaned with the addition of foreign words spelt in Maltese orthography such as plejgrawnd, and hendbeg.

The Kunsill Nazzjonali in Act V 2005, as amended by Legal Notice 79 of 2011 and Act X of 2013, was entrusted with ensuring the correct writing and usage of the Maltese language.

The law highlights “orthography of the Maltese language as the standard system of writing in everyday use, established and updated by L-Akkademja tal-Malti and as expounded in documents: Tagħrif fuq il-Kitba Maltija published by the Għaqda Kittieba tal-Malti 1924; Żieda mat-Tagħrif published by L-Akkademja in its review Il-Malti in 1984 and Aġġornament tat-Tagħrif fuq il-Kitba Maltija published by L-Akkademja in its review Il-Malti in 1992 and as subject to the provision of article 5/2”.

Nowhere does it say that the Kunsill Nazzjonali has been granted the power or the right to re-invent the Maltese language and its orthography.

So I shall continue to write “ta’ l-ilsien Malti”. I shall also refuse to write English words in Maltese orthography, especially when my mother language already has its own rendition such as sarraf (cashing a cheque or changing currency). I really can’t see myself sinking to using nikkaxxja. Equally infuriating is websajt and onlajn when sit elettroniku already exists.

I urge all those who treasure the Maltese language to participate in the public consultation document on www.edu.gov.mt by today.