The Maltese Language ( MALTI ): - the only European language of Semitic origin (as of 2004) - the only spoken dialect of Arabic which has become an official national language - the only Arabic dialect with a Latin script (uses Roman alphabet)

Spoken language on the Maltese Archipelago vs official (written) languages Arabic – 9C. (870) - 11C.(?) (the Arabs’ presence-?) Latin – 12-15C. (a String of European Dynasties) Italian and French – 16 C. -18 C. (the Knights of Malta) English – 19 C. (the British period) As of 1934 – Maltese is an official language of Malta (alongside English)

Language facts Basic words GOD l-Alla Holy Mother Ummuna Antroponyms Buhagiar, family name - (Ar) ‘aBu HaGaR(in) Busuttil, family name – (Ar) ‘aBu Sittin(a) Buttigieg, family name – (Ar) ‘aBu DaGGaG(i) Toponyms Buzietta (Gardens) - (Ar) ‘aBu SiTTa(tin) BuGiBBa (name of a village) - (Ar) ‘aBu Gibba(tin) Burmarrad - (Ar) ‘Bu (r)MaRRaD (having long neck)

Written sources: presence of Arabs in Malta 870 AD – the expulsion of Bysantines by the Arabs 870 – ??? “Uninhabited ruin” (al-Himyari) or the Arab’s settlement and activities in Malta and Gozo? 1048 AD– “the Muslims peopled the Island and built its city and it became a finer place” (al-Himyari) 1091 AD – the Norman annexation of Malta and Gozo (Roger II) mid 13 th C. – ousting of the Muslims Archeological evidence: mid10 th C. (?) – (Muslim cemetery in Rabat, ceramics of Muslim character) might prove the existence of flourishing community in the vicinity of Mdina

The Majmuna Stone