Innovation in Language Learning

This study focuses on the language use of Maltese adolescents within the island’s bilingual context.  Malta’s linguistic situation is marked by the coexistence of Maltese, a heritage language central to national identity, and English, a heirloom of Malta’s colonial past, and a global language associated with socio-economic opportunities ^[1,2].  This paper draws on data from a larger mixed-methods study investigating language use and attitudes among Maltese adolescents. The present analysis focuses specifically on survey responses relating to Maltese and English, extracted from the broader dataset, and is informed by the responses of 402 participants aged 11–14. It investigates language use across domains, attitudes towards both languages, and the perceived role of bilingualism in shaping their identities. Findings are indicative of a clear functional divide, where the Maltese language is preferred for intimate, family-oriented interactions and expressions of cultural belonging, while English dominates in educational settings, interactions with peers, digital spaces, and aspirational contexts.  Adolescents expressed strong pride in Maltese, viewing it as it as a marker of heritage, yet simultaneously recognised English as indispensable for future mobility and professional success ^[3]. Many participants advocated for balanced bilingualism, though some expressed concern about potential language loss, where Maltese may be overshadowed by the prestige and utility of the English language ^[4,5].The study highlights the interplay between traditional and pragmatic values in a small, bilingual EU state, with implications for language policy, education, and identity formation. By foregrounding young people’s perspectives, this research contributes to understanding how global and local linguistic forces are negotiated in everyday life.