languages

Many Maltese can speak Italian but they rarely do. Don't bother with a third language.

You can get by without knowing Maltese but for certain jobs it's necessary to know the language.

Italian is an incredibly popular language
a fluency in english and a knowledge of  maltese will hold you in good stead for most jobs though

I dont speak maltese , though you soon pick up various phrases and learn how to pronounce words etc

Ah that's a relief...  in written maltese seems a bit alien with all those 'x' I guess many feel the same at first on the other hand im curious whether I'll pick up
thank you for the info

Chiono wrote:

Ah that's a relief...  in written maltese seems a bit alien with all those 'x' I guess many feel the same at first on the other hand im curious whether I'll pick up
thank you for the info

Hi Chiono,
The problem is not the 'x' in Maltese (which sounds like the English 'sh', but the 'h', 'ħ' and 'għ' (the latter being one letter). We also have 'ie' which is also one letter. Then there are the 'z' and 'ż' and 'g' and 'ġ'. Finally, we have the 'c' and 'ċ'. The 'c' without the dot is not correct (it does not exist in the Maltese alphabet), but yet it is commonly used.
Regards,
Charlo

Very curious thank you Charlo

chseychell wrote:

Chiono wrote:

Ah that's a relief...  in written maltese seems a bit alien with all those 'x' I guess many feel the same at first on the other hand im curious whether I'll pick up
thank you for the info

Hi Chiono,
The problem is not the 'x' in Maltese (which sounds like the English 'sh', but the 'h', 'ħ' and 'għ' (the latter being one letter). We also have 'ie' which is also one letter. Then there are the 'z' and 'ż' and 'g' and 'ġ'. Finally, we have the 'c' and 'ċ'. The 'c' without the dot is not correct (it does not exist in the Maltese alphabet), but yet it is commonly used.
Regards,
Charlo

But that's the easy bit....At least you know by the letter what sound is what. We (English) have one 'G' but 2 sounds, one 'z' but 2 sounds, same with the 'h'& 'ħ'. Not to mention a 'k' and a 'ċ'.....Makes a lot more sense. The 'għ' is simple once you realise it's value!