Al-Shidyāq’s Account of the Maltese Language: An Annotated Translation

This annotated translation presents Faris al-Shidyaq’s nineteenth-century account of the Maltese language. AL-Shidyaq, a Lebanese man of letters, describes Maltese as an Arabic dialect, dismissing the then-current claim that it is descended from Punic. He points out cases where the language preserves words and structures that have disappeared, or taken different forms, in other Arabic dialectsDespite borrowing extensively from Italian and other European languages, Maltese retains significant Arabic elements, including classical usages and dialectal parallels.

The account initially dismisses Maltese as a "corrupt" version of Arabic, but gradually acknowledges its resilience and linguistic intricacies. It highlights the adaptability of Maltese speakers, who integrate foreign words seamlessly into their native linguistic patterns, demonstrating the dynamic nature of language evolution. The narrative critiques the lack of scholarly or literary works in Maltese and explores the cultural reasons for the reluctance of its speakers to embrace classical Arabic, despite the shared linguistic heritage.

The discussion sheds light on broader themes of linguistic identity, the impact of colonization, and the evolution of vernacular languages in response to historical and social pressures. It emphasizes the power of language to endure and adapt despite external influences, noting how Maltese has survived successive attempts to suppress it. This study provides valuable insights into the historical interplay between Maltese and Arabic, offering a nuanced perspective on linguistic resilience, cultural identity, and the intersection of language and modernization in the Mediterranean region.