A street sign in French from Napoleonic times is still extant under the portico in front of the Biblioteca in Valletta.

Talk about a confused nation. Then we whine about our insularity and the “double insularity” of Gozo while we insist on using Maltese for everything.

You cannot think properly in Maltese.

No, I don’t count Oliver Friggieri’s philosophical musings, or Trevor Zahra’s cracking yarns, brilliant though they may be, as an example of logical thought.

You cannot govern a nation in Maltese.

Why, the two soldiers guarding the entrance to the President’s Palace*, the highest and most hallowed symbol of this republic, shout their drill commands in English. Because there are none in Maltese. I rest my case.

*At long fricking last. Now I hope it doesn’t cross anyone’s mind that we’re doing this “ghat-turisti”. We’re doing it for the dignity of our independent country. And could anyone get them properly tailored uniforms while we’re at it? And new razors too.

Bay Junction/Trejqet il-Bajja – it was bilingual once – in St. Julians has become Triq Alfred Gauci.

Are we back in Mintoff’s time? Who was Alfred Gauci?

The Belgians have three: French, Flemish and German (and the latter is a tiny minority).

Why is English never used for parliamentary sittings or government speeches?

Why are street signs not bilingual? Why do we insist on the totally artificial and idiotic Maltese titles of “Perit” and “Ing.” in English texts?

[Daphne – Street names WERE bilingual. I actually remember them like that in some streets at least. And oh, the confusion when the very English street names in Sliema were translated into Maltese for the Maltese-only new signs….Windsor Terrace (Triq Windsor).]

One of a rare intelligent suggestion by the PL – provided of course that it is very good English; otherwise it would defeat the purpose.

Ah, the 80s……

Japanese Cartoons :Goldrake, Lady Oscar, Black Tulip

Brasilian Telenovelas : Dancin’ Days with Sonia Braga

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

What are the chances that that article was actually penned by him? Ghostwriting seems to be very common among Maltese politicians on both sides of the House, I hear.