The language of the Mediterranean nation of Malta is with a large Arabic base [due to the Arabic occupation of 200 years before it fell to the Normans]. This period of Maltese history is a bit mysterious in that it resulted in the original inland capital town of Melita be carved into a quarter of its Roman size [and renamed Medina and now called M'dina]- yet only a single confirmed mosque seems to have been built.
The language is considered by scholars to be the only Semetic language using the Roman alphabet and has lesser influences of Italian, English, some French and, some believe, a few vestigal Phoenician terms have survived.
Suppose the Arabic occupation had not happened. What would the Maltese language be like now? Any ideas?
The language is considered by scholars to be the only Semetic language using the Roman alphabet and has lesser influences of Italian, English, some French and, some believe, a few vestigal Phoenician terms have survived.
Suppose the Arabic occupation had not happened. What would the Maltese language be like now? Any ideas?