Considering just how beautiful the Maltese language is, it sure is a pity that its speakers are, for the most part, confined to the four corners of the island.
Having said that, one Swedish woman by the name of Jessica Schulz is defying these expectations as she became fully fluent in Maltese after just 16 months of lessons.
Jessica had moved to the Maltese islands when she was 14 years old, in 2008, and spent four years here. Throughout that period, however, young Jessica didn’t manage to pick up the language.
It was only in September 2020, when she had moved to the United Kingdom for her studies, that Jessica started learning Maltese.
“I didn’t know the language, just a few words, but I couldn’t have a conversation. Then, I started studying Maltese here in Scotland during my free time,” Jessica told the Times of Malta.
“I spend a lot of time listening to the language on the radio or on television, while I’m doing the dishes or other chores around the house. I also took some online classes – practicing conversation is my favourite part,” she continued.
Jessica is currently working on her PhD, which “focuses on the links between language, cognition, and decision-making by collective evidence from Maltese-English bilingual adults,” the Times of Malta reported.
In light of this, the Swedish student is looking for Maltese and English speakers residing in Malta and aged 18 and over who would be willing to participate in her research.
“I love Maltese, it’s a beautiful language. I’ve chosen to focus on Malta because there are two official languages, and the way they are used is very interesting. My main supervisor is based in Edinburgh and he’s an expert in bilingualism and attention in adults,” Jessica said.
“My co-supervisor is from the University of Malta, as the study is a collaboration between the two universities… I’m Swedish, but I feel at home in Malta. When I go back, it feels like I’m going home,” she concluded.
Those interested in participating in Jessica’s research may reach out to her on [email protected].