Unique is Small - A review of Malta's culture
November 22, 2006

UK High Commissioner of Malta, Michael Refalo

On the 22nd of November 2006, the High Commissioner of Malta, Michael Refalo, was the guest lecture for a lunch hour seminar at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. During his talk, High Commissioner Refalo spoke about the unique culture and history of the Mediterranean island nation and offered insight into the history of the Maltese language.

The everyday language used by Maltese people has its roots in both Semitic and Romance languages - representative of its strategic position in the Mediterranean, and testament to its distinctive history. The similarities between the Maltese and Arabic languages are notable and although certain vocabulary is still similar if not the same, the two languages are no longer mutually comprehensible.

Following an introduction to the linguistic history of Malta, the audience was shown a short video on the nation's history - exploring its Greek, Roman, Muslim and European heritage. Referring to the Muslim heritage of Malta, High Commissioner Refalo explained the strong influence of Arab culture in the country. From 870 to 1091 BCE the Arabs ruled Malta and remained in the country for another 300 years. Although there is only scant physical presence of Arab influence, mostly in the form of architectural styles and buildings, the biggest contribution of the Arab world has been its mark on the Maltese language. The Maltese language can therefore be described as a dialectical variety of Arabic in medieval times, and is the only such example in Europe.

The audience listens to High Commissioner Refalo's talk on Malta's culture

Focussing on the built history of Arab Malta, High Commissioner Refalo explained that a number of architectural styles had been adopted and were still in use today, including narrow windows and special "wind windows" designed to improve circulation in buildings. Archeologically, fortifications built by the Arabs and ancient graves with Qur'anic inscriptions are evidence of the important Muslim heritage of Malta.

High Commissioner Refalo explained that the original Maltese had migrated from Sicily, but that interaction and repeated colonisation by larger, powerful empires had left its mark on Maltese culture, making it very distinctive, albeit one that is now largely considered European. He discussed how for 6000 years, Malta has served as an indicator of power in the Mediterranean and hence an excellent open-air museum - showcasing its variety and distinctiveness as a meeting point for various cultures and traditions.

In conclusion, High Commissioner Refalo noted that as a small nation, Malta 's most important resource has been its people who have had to always be flexible and alert in order to survive. Despite the terrible sieges and abject poverty that it had endured from the 16th to the 20th centuries, Malta has emerged to embrace the status of neutrality and to promote peace and moderate prosperity.