This week I have traveled to Malta and Gozo to prepare for the IALP conference. I have never visited Malta before, but I have collaborated with Professor Helen Grech from the University of Malta for many years. Malta's history, culture and languages are a fascinating mixture. The VisitMalta site says that over the years they have "hosted the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire." Malta was ruled by the British 1813-1964 - so English is a dominant language alongside Maltese (e.g., the main city in Gozo is called Ir-Rabat and Victoria as shown in the sign below).
