The idea of the Maltese laqam (nickname) has been around for years, and everyone pretty much seems to have just accepted the fact they existed. But one local guy wanted to find out more, going on to conduct extensive research in collaboration with the Rabat Local Council about Maltese nicknames, and has now published a book: The Maltese Laqam - Rabat's Perspective.
We spoke to Luke Micallef about his research, the journey to compile this book (which has been written in English) and what intrigued him about the subject in the first place. “It’s an area which hasn’t been researched in depth in the Maltese Islands, most probably since nicknames are considered as secondary. In this study they are given central attention,” he notes.
“This research highlights the theory that coining nicknames is intrinsic to human relationships, since throughout history there has been the practice among all races and generations of somehow labelling an individual, family or clan by nomenclature which identifies them,” Luke explains. “As has been made clear throughout this book, nicknames have various connotations, fall under different categories, and even serve various purposes, be they negative or positive in nature.”
This research took quite a while to compile, Luke notes, having had to sift through lots of documents. “I went through notarial documents, church registers, electoral registers, and conducted a lot of interviews in the streets of Rabat.”
The book will be available at the Malta Book Festival at the Deer Publications stand being held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta between 6th and 10th November. Luke reveals that the actual book launch will be on 29th November at 7.30pm at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat. “Everyone is invited to attend.”
Luke also says that proceeds are going towards a very worthy cause. “The Rabat Local Council was interested in this project and sponsored the book, and together we decided to give all proceeds to Puttinu Cares.” Amazing!
Luke Micallef