English
It is estimated that English loanwords, which are becoming more commonplace, make up 20% of the Maltese vocabulary, although other sources claim amounts as low as 6%. This percentage discrepancy is due to the fact that a number of new English loanwords are sometimes not officially considered part of the Maltese vocabulary; hence, they are not included in certain dictionaries. English loanwords are generally transliterated, although standard English pronunciation is virtually always retained. Below are a few examples:
Maltese | English |
---|---|
futbol | football |
baskitbol | basketball |
klabb | club |
lift | lift/elevator |
friġġ | fridge |
Read more about this topic: Maltese Language, Vocabulary
Famous quotes containing the word english:
“On becoming soldiers we have not ceased to be citizens.”
—Oliver Cromwells Soldiers. Address, 1647, to the English Parliament. Humble Representation.
“The English may not always be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers.”
—Raymond Chandler (18881959)
“The French courage proceeds from vanitythe German from phlegmthe Turkish from fanaticism & opiumthe Spanish from pridethe English from coolnessthe Dutch from obstinacythe Russian from insensibilitybut the Italian from anger.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (17881824)