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In:Handbook of Terminology: Volume 4. Terminology planning in Europe
Edited by Rossella Resi and Frieda Steurs
[Handbook of Terminology 4] 2025
► pp. 653–669

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Terminology development for lesser-used languages in bilingual contexts

The Maltese case

 | L-Università ta’ Malta
Published online: 26 September 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/hot.4.ter22
Abstract
The chapter discusses terminology in the complex linguistic landscape of Malta, highlighting the socio-historical development and bilingual dynamics of the Maltese language. The interplay between Maltese and English in contemporary society is examined with a focus on language use in education, media, and professional domains, to illustrate why Maltese terminology is mainly determined by the translation requirements of Maltese as an offical EU language. The chapter describes the different research and methodological perspectives of various local and EU bodies and their impact on standardisation in Maltese terminology. It also gives an account of the efforts to disseminate terminology in Maltese, the attitudes of end-users, and discusses the future prospects of terminology for the Maltese language.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Languages and language use in Malta
    • 2.1The Maltese language
    • 2.2The socio-historical context of the Maltese linguistic landscape
    • 2.3Language use in Malta in the twenty-first century
    • 2.4Domain-specificity in language use
    • 2.5Language policy in Malta
  • 3.The impact of EU membership on Maltese terminology
    • 3.1Maltese as an official language of the EU
    • 3.2Maltese terminology for and after EU accession
      • 3.2.1Terminology at the EU institutions
      • 3.2.3Terminology in Malta
  • 4.Methodological issues
    • 4.1Reference languages
    • 4.2Term formation
    • 4.3Borrowings
  • 5.Dissemination, user acceptance and future prospects
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
References (30)
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