Maltese

Malta is a small island nation in the central Mediterranean, located south of Sicily and north of Libya. Despite its modest size—comprising three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino—it holds a strategically important position that has shaped its rich and complex history. Malta has been inhabited since around 5900 BCE, and its temples, such as Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Throughout history, Malta has been ruled by a succession of powers, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John, the French under Napoleon, and the British Empire. Each of these civilizations has left its imprint on Maltese culture, architecture, and society. Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, became a republic in 1974, and joined the European Union in 2004.

The Maltese people are known for their hospitality, strong Roman Catholic faith, and deep sense of national pride. The culture is a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean influences, with Italian and Arab legacies particularly pronounced. This blend is reflected in Maltese cuisine—rich in seafood, spices, and rustic flavors—as well as in local festivals, traditional music, and crafts such as filigree jewelry and lace-making. Geographically, the islands feature rocky coastlines, ancient fortifications, and a largely arid, sun-drenched landscape with limited natural freshwater resources. Valletta, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, exemplifies the nation’s historical and architectural wealth.

Malti

The Maltese language, Malti, is one of the most distinctive elements of the national identity. It is a Semitic language derived from Siculo-Arabic, the variety of Arabic spoken in Sicily and Malta between the 9th and 12th centuries. What makes Maltese unique among Semitic languages is that it is the only one written in the Latin script and the only Semitic language that is an official language of the European Union. Maltese has undergone extensive influence from Romance languages—especially Italian and Sicilian—and, more recently, English. This results in a lexicon that is roughly one-third Semitic, one-third Romance, and one-third English loanwords. The grammar retains many Semitic features, such as triliteral roots and the use of verb patterns (binyanim), but also incorporates Romance and English syntax in various contexts. Malta is officially bilingual, and while both Maltese and English are used in education, media, and government, Maltese remains the primary spoken language for the majority of the population.

Asterix speaks Maltese

According to the fan‑maintained Asterix around the World database (as of June 13, 2025), the only official Asterix album translated into Maltese is Asteriks il‑Galliku, which corresponds to the original Astérix le Gaulois (the first volume). It was published in November 1998 by Klabb Kotba Maltin in cooperation with Heart Productions. No plans for future releases in Maltese are known as of yet.