/library/oar/handle/123456789/18580 2025-10-28T18:54:39Z 2025-10-28T18:54:39Z Żammit, Jacqueline /library/oar/handle/123456789/140504 2025-10-23T09:25:50Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Venturing into virtual reality : the dawn of a new tool in Maltese language teaching and learning Authors: Żammit, Jacqueline Abstract: Research underscores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool in language teaching and learning. This study explores the potential of VR in teaching and learning Maltese. Currently, there are no VR applications specifically designed for learning Maltese. This study collected insights from a group of 25 teachers and found that VR can create an immersive and engaging learning environment, and enhance communicative and sociolinguistic competence. It also found that VR can improve linguistic flexibility and cultural adaptability. However, there are concerns about the costs of VR equipment, student’s health, and technical issues. This research emphasises the potential of VR in Maltese language learning in the 21st century.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Caruana, Sandro /library/oar/handle/123456789/140349 2025-10-20T15:59:27Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An analysis of short texts of Italians in Malta : language use and attitudes Authors: Caruana, Sandro Abstract: The recent migration of Italians in Malta has been documented quite extensively and research shows clearly that this is mainly linked to work opportunities available in an Anglophone setting. Most Italians settle well on the island and while adapting to the new linguistic situations they encounter, they generally remain attached to their origins and show awareness and appreciation of their L1 and their culture. This contribution is based on the data collected in 2023 via an open question that was asked at the end of a questionnaire that was carried among Italian adults residing in Malta, for which 157 responses were collected. Written responses to this question were provided by means of short texts related to Italian migrants’ experience in Malta, their identity, and their use and perception on their L1 in a migratory context as well as of the two context languages: English and Maltese. These short texts are analysed to unmask attitudes towards language contact and to the different languages used, thereby providing a more in-depth investigation of these issues with respect to previous research carried out recently.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Caruana, Sandro /library/oar/handle/123456789/140348 2025-10-20T15:31:13Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Parlare italiano a Malta è un extra benefit. The linguistic repertoire of Italians in Malta and the use and maintenance of their L1. Authors: Caruana, Sandro Abstract: The recent influx of Italians in Malta is extraordinary insofar as numbers are concerned, to the extent that today they represent one of the the largest group of non-nationals in gainful occupation on the island. Their engagement within an Anglophone community broadens their linguistic repertoire and this can have long-term benefits, but they also have many opportunities to use their own language, both among other Italians and with the Maltese. In this contribution, based on data collected by means of an online questionnaire completed by 347 Italian nationals who reside, study or work in Malta, I investigate their language use, and I focus on how this is related to other variables including age, occupation, level of education and duration of stay. Results reveal that Italian is used widely, both through face-to-face interactions, social media and by accessing it via the media. Some also use their dialect/regional variety. Nevertheless, English is used extensively too, and could potentially

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Żammit, Jacqueline /library/oar/handle/123456789/139584 2025-10-03T11:48:12Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cultivating the linguistic garden : exploring the pedagogical approaches and challenges in teaching Maltese as a second language to international adults Authors: Żammit, Jacqueline Abstract: This study investigates the challenges and pedagogical strategies in teaching Maltese as a second language (ML2) to international adults in Malta’s multilingual context. With both Maltese and English as official languages, the rise in migrant populations since 2014 has created a need for effective ML2 instruction, leading to the development of new teaching approaches and teacher training initiatives starting in 2018. Through qualitative research involving 36 experienced Maltese language teachers, the study examines the use of plurilingual approaches, the role of heritage languages in language transfer, and the challenges posed by the lack of digital resources, such as language-specific apps, films, and immersive technologies like virtual reality. Findings reveal the potential of leveraging learners’ first languages to aid comprehension, alongside the importance of inclusive strategies in multilingual classrooms. The study also identifies the urgent need for investment in digital tools and platforms to support learner engagement and autonomy. It concludes by emphasising the value of pedagogical innovation, enhanced digital access, and the strategic use of learners’ linguistic repertoires to strengthen outcomes in ML2 acquisition and integration.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z