University lecturer Charles Xuereb will lead a course of five lectures in Maltese entitled Memorja Kollettiva u Identità f’Eks-Kolonja (collective memory and identity in an ex-colony), organised by the Philosophy Sharing Foundation, at the Volunteer Centre, 181, Melita Street, Valletta, every Monday between February 18 and March 18 from 6.30 to 8pm.

In public discussions there are often references to the collective memory and identity of the Maltese, but not enough reflection to discover who are we, where we come from and why we behave the way we do. And despite sharing the same past, present and future, there is even less reflection on where we are going as a nation.

No community can truly discover itself without taking responsibility for its past. In the case of Malta, colonialism has formed what we are today, often through a defective formation of our identity. This occurred with the support of sections of society that only sought their own limited self-interest. This can still be seen today in the colonial mentality that still exists in people, in the way foreigners still occupy memory in our public spaces and the confused way we project ourselves to foreigners.

Were our forefathers mistaken? Are we a complete nation? Did the Church help or hinder us?

The course aims to tackle questions on this theme and substantiate answers on the basis of historical, social and philosophical research and visual facts.

Dr Xuereb has had a 45-year career as a teacher of French, and in educational and journalistic broadcasting. In 2011 he was awarded the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by France in recognition of his continuous efforts to promote French culture in Malta.

For further information and to book a place, visit the Foundation’s website below.

www.philosophysharing.org

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