The quirk of the Maltese Islands is their Mediterranean charm and climate coupled with Anglo-Saxon traditions.Malta was part of the British Empire for over 150 years, so it is hardly surprising that business, laws and education have some British overtones. Today, you'll find plenty of this special blend of Mediterranean Britishness around in Maltese daily life.English is a joint official language with Maltese. It is spoken fluently and widely. But English, as other languages such as Italian, has made an impact on daily conversation in Maltese (Malti). The Maltese often switch effortlessly from Malti to English mid sentence. Walking through the capital, Valletta, you'll come across shops and cafes with British names harking back to mid last century. Visitors are always surprised and charmed to see old-fashioned, red-painted, British letter and phone boxes when this street furniture has all but disappeared in the UK itself.Driving is on the left, as in the UK. Out and about on the road, you'll come across a number of old British cars: Morris Minors, Ford Anglias and Prefects, Triumphs and Bedford lorries and buses, from the 1950s, '60s and 70s. Many are used regularly for daily travel, but others are lovingly cared for vintage models seen out only on special occasions. Maltese cooking has also adopted some elements of British fare: local bars and cafes serve the British breakfast and brunch. Beer is a favourite drink here as in the UK, and is sold in 'pints' and 'half pints' rather than litres. Learning English The British Era Museums: Military & Maritime Malta in World War II Key Dates
The quirk of the Maltese Islands is their Mediterranean charm and climate coupled with Anglo-Saxon traditions.
Malta was part of the British Empire for over 150 years, so it is hardly surprising that business, laws and education have some British overtones. Today, you'll find plenty of this special blend of Mediterranean Britishness around in Maltese daily life.
English is a joint official language with Maltese. It is spoken fluently and widely. But English, as other languages such as Italian, has made an impact on daily conversation in Maltese (Malti). The Maltese often switch effortlessly from Malti to English mid sentence. Walking through the capital, Valletta, you'll come across shops and cafes with British names harking back to mid last century. Visitors are always surprised and charmed to see old-fashioned, red-painted, British letter and phone boxes when this street furniture has all but disappeared in the UK itself.
Driving is on the left, as in the UK. Out and about on the road, you'll come across a number of old British cars: Morris Minors, Ford Anglias and Prefects, Triumphs and Bedford lorries and buses, from the 1950s, '60s and 70s. Many are used regularly for daily travel, but others are lovingly cared for vintage models seen out only on special occasions. Maltese cooking has also adopted some elements of British fare: local bars and cafes serve the British breakfast and brunch. Beer is a favourite drink here as in the UK, and is sold in 'pints' and 'half pints' rather than litres.