This recent (last 900 years or so) immigration from Sicily to Malta, has also been corroborated by a published population genetics study (Capelli C, Redhead N, Romano V, Calì F, Lefranc G, Delague V, Megarbane A, Felice AE, Pascali VL, Neophytou PI, Poulli Z, Novelletto A, Malaspina P, Terrenato L, Berebbi A, Fellous M, Thomas MG, Goldstein DB.Population structure in the Mediterranean basin: a Y chromosome perspective. Ann Hum Genet. 2006 Mar;70(Pt 2):207-25.).

Just a point of info Felice AE heads the University Molecular Genetics team.

Yes it would be interesting to get both Albert Borg’s and Joseph Brincat’s point of view.

(Daphne – you’re wrong there. The citizens of Mdina were Muslims when Roger the Norman arrived in the 11th century. It was their slaves who were Christian, which is why they went home by ship when freed. And yes, the language we speak is derived from Tunisian Arabic and no other. If you don’t believe me, ask Professor Albert Borg, an authority on Maltese who teaches the language at university level.)

In fact there are still words (of Semitic origin) that are very similar to Maltese words including the name of a village – Rrahali (in Scilian Rekale)

I thought of sharing this information, as I also think that this Island is an ideal place for a couple of days of complete rest and quiet enjoyment.

(Daphne – That’s because the Maltese and the Panteschi both spoke Arabic dialects, having both been settled by people who were originally from Tunisia, via Sicily.)

(Daphne – Drivel warning: Well, you were interested enough to read it and comment, weren’t you? If you want the highbrow stuff, go to Facebook and read all about Charlon Gouder and Claudette Abela Baldacchino, or log onto Joseph’s page and play videos of him making speeches. That should make for a thrilling Saturday night.)

(Daphne – I know. It’s a damned hard life.)