Antonio Cremona, popularly known as Ninu or Is-Sur Nin, was born on May 27, 1880, at 3-4, St Mary Street, Victoria. He was given the names of Antonio, Giuseppe
Klabb Kotba Maltin is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary since the publication of its first book on April 9, 1971. To herald this occasion,
Joseph Mizzi speaks to
Klabb Kotba Maltin published its first book 50 years ago. How did it all happen?
In the early 1960s, Malta was going through an identity resurgence which paralleled the country’s move towards political independence. Young literary figures were also moving towards new vibrancy and finding a more modern way of expressing themselves.
However, very little was being done to foster the country’s literary legacy. The number of new titles published in Malta annually rarely exceeded six books.
This year the Akkademja tal-Malti celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally set up to streamline the Maltese alphabet, over the years its role evolved and it now focuses on promoting the national language and Maltese literature. Secretary Joseph Borg tells us why this is important and relevant in preserving a nation’s history and defining its future – to ensure that Maltese does not become a foreign language to today’s natives.
The Maltese language is probably the only factor that today distinguishes us and gives us our identity.
It is the national language as entrenched in our Constitution, while both Maltese and English are official languages. It is the only semitic language that has reached such status and has a unique feature: Maltese is the only semitic language which is written in Latin script.