1. Xemx taqli l-ftajjar

A very common idiom, literally meaning “a sun that fries bread”. You probably guessed it, this is uttered by locals when they want to say that the sun is blazing. You could say that the expression “baking hot” would come very close.

2. Xemx tixwi l-ankri

This common Maltese expression is a variant of the idiom that we have just mentioned above. The literal translation would be “a sun which scorches anchors”. If you happen to hear this expression when you’re out and about, make sure you’ve got your hat and sunscreen handy!

3. Baħar qisu żejt

A nice light breeze sweeps by as you walk along the beach for a light evening stroll. The sea is jet black, and so peaceful and smooth, it almost looks like the gods above have decided to turn the sea water into a luscious sea of black olive oil. Yes, this expression literally translates to “Sea [that looks] like oil”, denoting a very calm sea.

4. Sħana tboss

Pardon our French. Let’s make it clear that it is highly unlikely that you’ll ever find this expression in an official book of Maltese proverbs and idioms. Nonetheless, you are more than likely to hear this when visiting Malta in summer. You’ll likely hear it in the phrase, “Hawn sħana tboss!” If we had to translate “sħana tboss” literally, it would be “heat that farts”, therefore, a wave of heat that is so bad, it permeates just about everything it meets. TMI? Sorry.

5. Kemm hu riħ isfel!

Another thing islanders have had to learn to live with is the stifling humidity that envelopes the islands in the hottest months. “Riħ isfel” usually refers to a southern wind which is generally unpleasant, bringing humid and hot air, sometimes dust-ladened. Bring on the frizz!

6. X’ħedla qabditni f’daqqa waħda!

“Ħedla” literally translates to “lethargy”. You’ll often hear people mentioning ‘ħedla’ in the afternoon, or right after having lunch. The heat and the full belly join forces, and leave you wanting nothing more than a nice nap. This habit is quite common among Mediterranean folk, e viva la siesta!

7. Rewwaħli ftit b’dik l-imrewħa

The “imrewħa” is a life-saver if you are lucky enough to be visiting Malta during one of our frequent power-cuts in summer (blame it on all those ACs trying to keep up with the heat!), and frankly, a must-have given Malta’s weather in summer. The imrewħa is a hand-held fan, no batteries required, just a shake of your wrist! You might also come across a “palju”, which is also a hand-held fan, however, it has a long wooden handle and is traditionally used by men.

8. Kemm smart!

Literally: “You’ve got yourself a nice tan!”. Yes, it’s not easy having to bear the summer heat and the scorching sun in Malta, but there definitely is a positive side to it all… you’ll get a super smokin’ suntan 😀

9. Ħaditni x-xemx!

Notice the reference to the word “xemx” (sun). It is very similar in meaning to the previous expression, and a literal translation of this would be “the sun took me!”. This is usually used when people have a slight reddish tint to their skin just after spending some time in the sun, which will likely turn into a nice tan in the days that follow.

10. Ħa xemxata

Again, notice the reference to the word “xemx”. “Xemxata” literally translates to “sunstroke”. To avoid that from happening, limit sun exposure, and drink aplenty (water – not alcohol!)

11. Hawn nemusa ddur

One of the joys of humid hot weather! This expression roughly translates to: “There’s a mosquito buzzing in the air”. Make sure to stock up on some insect repellent, and possibly a citronella candle, for a mosquito-free summer experience 😎

The post 11 Expressions You Will Definitely Hear When Visiting Malta in Summer appeared first on Pristineworks.

Fil-blog post tal-lum, se nkunu qed nesponu, niġġudikaw u naqtgħu l-verdett finali tagħna fuq it-traduzzjonijiet li ġejjin. Xi ħaġa interessanti hi, li għad-differenza ta’ dak li wieħed jassumi, ħafna mit-termini li ġejjin ma sibnihomx biss fuq mezzi tal-midja soċjali bħal Facebook, iżda anke fuq siti tat-traduzzjoni u riżorsi lingwistiċi uffiċjali oħrajn. U għalhekk, mingħajr aktar dewmien, ejja nibdew is-smigħ tal-lum.

1. Cart = Karrettun/Karretta

Il-ħmar ħallewh barra miskin.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=cart&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Meta nisimgħu l-kelma karrettun, tiġina f’moħħna dik il-vettura miftuħa b’erba’ roti, aktarx tal-injam, li titmexxa minn ħmar jew xi annimal ieħor. Għalhekk, din il-kelma ma taqdiniex f’kuntest ta’ xiri elettroniku (sakemm mhux beħsiebek tarma ħmar u karrettun, issalpa fuq xi vapur, u tmur tiġbor l-oġġett li ordnajt online bil-karrettun).

Traduzzjoni korretta: Basket

2. Toothpaste = Pasta tas-snien

Mhux aħjar xi pasta tal-krema sieħbi!

Sors: Glosbe – the multilingual online dictionary – https://glosbe.com/mt/en/toothpaste

Meta nirreferu għal dak l-oġġett li nużaw biex naħslu s-snien, dejjem nirreferu għalih bħala “toothpaste”, u għalhekk dak hu t-terminu li għandna nużaw anke fil-kitba bil-Malti.

NOTA: Meta konna qed inqallbu fil-ġawhar ta’ għerf li ssib online, ilmaħna wkoll “krema tas-snien”!

Traduzzjoni korretta: Toothpaste

3. Toothbrush = Xkupilja tas-snien

Din bellhitni… Ħallietni bla snien (ridt ngħid kliem).

Sors: Linguee, English-Maltese Dictionary – https://www.linguee.com/english-maltese/search?source=auto&query=toothbrush

Xkupilja hawnhekk ma tagħmilx sens minn żewġ aspetti: id-daqs tagħha u l-għan li normalment tintuża għalih. Meta nitkellmu fuq xkupilja, inkunu qed nirreferu għal għodda ta’ daqs medju, li jkollha mwaħħal magħha l-lanżit u li tintuża għat-tindif ta’ xi oġġetti. Minħabba li toothbrush għandha skop ta’ tindif li huwa speċifiku għal parti tal-ġisem (is-snien), u minħabba d-daqs żgħir tagħha, u anke l-għamla partikolari tagħha, it-traduzzjoni “xkupilja” mhijiex adattata.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Toothbrush

4. Wireless = Mingħajr fili

Il-fili fil-ħajt qegħdin… għal ġol-ħajt insomma!

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880682650/1

Ejja nibdew billi ngħidu li din mhijiex traduzzjoni litterali, għaliex kieku kienet tkun “mingħajr wajer”. Hawnhekk, hu evidenti li t-traduzzjoni Maltija hi influwenzata mit-Taljan (“senza fili”). Filwaqt li xi kultant tajjeb li nħarsu lejn it-traduzzjonijiet li saru f’lingwi oħrajn, f’dan il-każ, il-Malti mhuwiex identifiku għat-Taljan, bħal kif donnhom jaħsbu ħafna tradutturi Maltin. Fil-Malti, meta nitkellmu fuq “fil”, nistgħu nkunu qed nirreferu għal: ħajta, ħsieb, jew dak l-ispazju li jinsab bejn ġebla u oħra f’ħajt.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Wireless/bla wajer(s)

N.B f’każ ta’ hardware, bħal ngħidu aħna maws jew keyboard, nistgħu ngħidu li huma “bla wajer”, u l-kunċett ‘wireless’ ikun ċar. Però, f’każ ta’ terminu bħal “wireless internet”, it-traduzzjoni “internet bla wajers” tinstema’ stramba. Għalhekk, għal dawn it-termini, aħna nissuġġerixxu li tintuża l-kelma “wireless”, għax tinftiehem ħafna aktar.

5. Horsepower = Potenza ta’ żwiemel

Il-mistoqsija ċentrali hawnhekk hi din: Kemm hu potenti ż-żiemel tiegħek? Għidilna.

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880756234/1

Mur staqsi lil xi ħadd fil-kwart ta’ mil ta’ Ħal Far kemm għandha potenza taż-żwiemel il-karozza tiegħu, u ara x’jgħidlek! Horsepower hi unità ta’ kejl (hp), u għalhekk, f’każ bħal dan nistgħu nsegwu l-mudell ta’ unitajiet ta’ kejl oħra bħal “watt”, u allura nħallu t-terminu kif inhu bl-Ingliż.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Horsepower

6. Broadband = Banda wiesgħa

Il-banda mhux aħjar inħalluha bi kwieta fil-marċ?

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880962108/1

Naħseb li qed tindunaw x’hemm komuni f’dawn l-eżempji. Hawnhekk kellha titħalla bħala “broadband”.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Broadband

7. Keyword = Kelma Muftieħ/Kjav

Il-muftieħ f’idejn San Pietru postu u mhux fl-istrixxa tat-tiftix tal-Microsoft! 

Sors: Microsoft Terminology – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=keyword&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

It-traduzzjoni li saret hawnhekk hi litterali żżejjed, u fil-Malti ma tagħmilx sens. F’dan il-każ, il-kelma “keyword” m’hemmx għalfejn tibqa’ bl-Ingliż, għaliex it-traduzzjoni “kelma ewlenija” taqdina mingħajr problemi.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Kelma ewlenija

8. Brainwashed = Ħasil tal-Moħħ

Ejja nħarsu lejn il-pożittiv… għall-inqas jinħasel! 🤭

Sors: Facebook, grupp ta’ Kelmet il-Malti – https://www.facebook.com/groups/246657308743181

Naħseb tant ilna nisimgħu bil-ħasil tal-flus, u dan l-aħħar bil-ħasil tal-idejn, li issa kull ħaġa li għandha “ħasil” fiha ġiet moda.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  ġie kkondizzjonat

9. Inbox = Posta Rċivuta

Kif qed insemmi l-irċevuti, taf x’naf? Li ili mill-2010 nibgħat l-irċevuti lil tal-VAT biex nirbaħ il-Lotterija… kompli oħlom.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=inbox&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Traduzzjoni oħra mnebbħa mit-Taljan (“posta in arrivo”). Fil-Malti l-kelma “inbox” integrat sew fil-lingwa tagħna, u għalhekk, għandna nużaw lilha fil-kitba tagħna wkoll.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Inbox

10. Email account = kont tal-posta elettronika

Capisci l’italiano? Sì? Faqqa’ subgħajk.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=email%20account&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Hawnhekk qed niddiskutu t-terminu “email” bħala nom, u mhux il-verb “to email”. U iva, din imnebbħa mit-Taljan ukoll (le… ma blajniex recorder). Kif spjegajna f’eżempji preċedenti, diversi termini li jappartjenu għall-qasam tat-teknoloġija, laħqu integraw sew fil-lingwa tagħna. “Email” hi waħda minnhom.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  kont tal-email

Lesti!

Nisperaw li ħadtu pjaċir u li dħaktu xi ftit b’din il-lista ta’ kliem tradott li ppreżentajna llum. Għalkemm fl-introduzzjoni konna qed niċċajtaw, inħossu li spiss it-traduzzjonijiet għall-Malti ma jkunux prattiċi għall-utenti. Il-bilanċ hu essenzjali f’kollox, u mhux wisq b’inqas fil-każ tat-traduzzjoni. Meta traduttur jipprova jaqleb kull kelma għall-Malti mingħajr ma jaċċetta li aħjar jibqgħu bl-Ingliż, dan jista’ jwassal f’biċċa xogħol li ma tinstemax naturali f’widnejn il-qarrejja, u b’konsegwenza t’hekk, tista’ tissaħħaħ il-perċezzjoni li l-Malti hu tqil wisq biex taqrah. Huwa dan li jwassal lin-nies biex iduru għall-verżjoni Ingliża ta’ test, anke jekk ikun hemm il-verżjoni bil-Malti disponibbli. F’każ ta’ kliem Ingliż li jkollu traduzzjoni stabbilita bil-Malti, m’hemm l-ebda dubju li hemmhekk għandna nużaw lilu, u mhux nabbużaw u nużaw l-Ingliż. Imma f’każ li l-kelma l-ġdida ma jkollhiex traduzzjoni ekwivalenti bil-Malti, m’għandniex nisfurzaw lilna nfusna biex noħolqu kelma li tkun morfoloġikament Maltija, jew li tinstema’ “aktar Maltija”, speċjalment jekk il-kelma Ingliża laħqet inxterdet sew fil-komunità. Ovvjament, ċertu esperimenti jistgħu jirnexxu, bħalma ġara bil-kelma “stessu” għal “selfie”. Il-kreattività hi sabiħa, però dejjem irid jintlaħaq bilanċ bejn il-kreattività u l-prattiċità.

The post Traduzzjonijiet fi Klassi Għalihom appeared first on Pristineworks.

1. Facebook groups

In an age of quick fixes, when a prompt reply to a query is often preferred to conducting research, the Facebook group Kelmet il-Malti has grown very popular. In this group, peers will reply within minutes to any Maltese language-related questions, from spelling to grammar. On the other hand, to improve on or learn Maltese in a fun way, gradually and consistently, check out the Facebook pages of Kelma Kelma and Pristineworks.

2. Pay attention

Anyone can improve their Maltese considerably by listening to the language carefully and reading it out loud. Watch Maltese television to listen to the language come alive in its most raw and dynamic form. And read a book in Maltese (with a dictionary at hand) to visually grasp all the intricacies of Maltese spelling and grammar. Courses in Maltese are also a great learning facility; these are ideal for foreigners but locals can benefit from them too!

3. Google Translate

It must be said that Google Translate is far from accurate when it comes to translating to and from Maltese. You should not rely solely on it, especially if you’re determined to start learning Maltese seriously. But while there is a lot of room for improvement in the app’s ability to properly translate Maltese, it may provide a reasonably good starting point. Particularly useful is that if you point your camera at a block of text, the mobile app will translate it in real-time!

4. Online Maltese Dictionary

Those willing to go the extra mile can use this online Maltese dictionary by the Maltese Language Resource Server project. Although this dictionary is rather basic and may lack some technical terms, it is useful for anyone who doesn’t have a physical Maltese dictionary at hand. Learn how to use the online Maltese dictionary to fully exploit this resource and make it one of your easy-to-access online tools! See also other Maltese language tools and resources by the MLRS coordinated by the University of Malta, as a collaboration between the Institute of Linguistics & Language Technology and the Department of Artificial Intelligence.

5. Il-Ġabra – A Lexicon for Maltese

To check spelling and the proper conjugation of verbs, use Il-Ġabra, a free, open lexicon for Maltese. Il-Ġabra includes translations into English and you can search using words, phrases or the morphological root. You also have the option to search by the English translation. This 2013 project by John J. Camilleri collects various lexical resources into a single database that is hosted and supported by the University of Malta. This resource emerged as part of the M.Sc. Thesis ‘A Computational Grammar and Lexicon for Maltese’ at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.

6. National Council of the Maltese Language

When the correct spelling and grammar of Maltese is an essential requisite, for publications for example, refer to the website of the National Council of the Maltese Language. This website is a truly useful resource for anyone wishing to learn Maltese or master the language. The National Council of the Maltese Language is responsible for establishing the orthography of the Maltese Language, including the spelling of words and phrases derived from English (see Deċiżjonijiet 1 & 2). It also provides other useful resources and interesting information, from historical facts about the Maltese language to a FAQ on spelling and more.

7. Physical resources

If you want to learn Maltese or refine your command of the language, keep a good old-fashioned paper dictionary handy. The best acclaimed is Joseph Aquilina’s ‘Concise Maltese-English, English-Maltese Dictionary’. This comes in a portable version as well as an extended version that includes several volumes. Charles Briffa’s ‘The English-Maltese Dictionary for the 21st Century’ is also good, however, it may contain some inaccuracies due to it being published prior to the aforementioned Deċiżjonijiet 2.

It is never too late to learn Maltese; the more fun and varied your resources, the better your chance of success!

The post 7 useful resources that will help you with your Maltese appeared first on Pristineworks.

Here’s an introduction to some of the complexities of simple Maltese phrases. This provides an insight into their meaning, which depends on various inflections in different contexts. It takes practice to master the use of these Maltese phrases appropriately, but it’s fun to try and certainly useful to grasp!

1. Mela (me-la)

‘Mela’ is the most versatile and most commonly used word in the Maltese language. Any foreigner will quickly pick up the frequent ‘mela’ amid all the strange sounds uttered from locals’ mouths. What it means and how to use it is less easy to grasp, however. The use of ‘mela’ ranges from, ‘So …’ when you’re about to begin speaking or tackle something new, to ‘Agreed,’ ‘Of course’  or ‘Obviously’ indicating an absolute ‘Yes,’ to ‘No way!’ (meeela) which is the complete opposite!

2. Uwejja (uu-wey-ya)

Another very versatile word, ‘uwejja’ literally means ‘Oh come on!’ It can also mean ‘please’ when you need to insist, ‘hurry up’ when you’re running out of patience, and ‘you’ve got to be kidding me!’ when you’ve heard something that conjures a sense of disbelief. Like ‘mela’, it’s the intonation, facial expressions and gesticulations that accompany the expression that convey the right meaning in the right context.

3. Bis-serjetà? (biss-ser-ye-ta)

When ‘uwejja’ is used in disbelief, it will often be followed by the question, ‘Bis-serjetà?’ It literally translates as, ‘Seriously?’ and is often used by itself to mean, ‘Really?’ There’s often a hint of sarcasm in the undertone.

4. Jew (yeww)

When the reaction of disbelief or contempt is high, you’ll often find an additional ‘jew?’ at the end of a sentence. Literally translated as ‘or’, it tends to indicate an invitation to prove the opposite is true, as in “Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?” or “Int miġnun, jew? (Are you crazy, or…?)” It can also indicate impatience, as in “Inti ġej, jew?” meaning, “Are you coming, or… (should I leave without you)?”

5. Ta! (tà)

Quite the opposite and in good response to ‘Jew?’ we have ‘Ta!’ There’s simply no arguing with ‘Ta!’ Probably derived from the word ‘Taf’ meaning ‘You know,’ place ‘Ta!’ at the end of a sentence to indicate it is an absolute not to be questioned or discussed. For example, “Issa nwasslek jien, ta!” meaning, “I’ll give you a lift, no discussion!” That’s the kinder version of its use. Another example is, “Ħallini, ta!” meaning “Leave me alone, and don’t even try ignoring this warning!”

6. Mhux hekk? (muush-ekk)

Literally meaning, ‘Isn’t it so?’, ‘Mhux hekk?’ also finds various uses from genuine affirmation (not a question) to pure sarcasm (Whatever/WTF) depending on the context and inflection, as well as mannerisms. It is sometimes simply stated as ‘Hux?’ The cutest thing is that Gozo has its very own version of this which is ‘Ma tafx?’ (pronounced ‘Ma tofx?’ or ma-tofsh) which translates as, ‘Don’t you know?’

7. Ħeqq (he-qq)

Strange filler word this one, because it means nothing at all. It’s more of a gutteral sound used to indicate resignation, to acknowledge someone when stating the obvious, or possibly to semi-incriminate them when they say or do something that’s unwelcome but not bad enough to make you mad.

8. Ajma (aay-ma)

Quite fitting for all the scenarios described above for ‘Ħeqq’, ‘Ajma’ has the additional possibility of relieving anxiety when you state it in a long loud sigh, particularly when you are fed up or bored. ‘Ajma’ actually means ‘Ouch!’ when one is in pain … just that the Maltese take it into the realm of psychological and emotional pain not just the physical kind! ‘U ajma,’ on the other hand, means, ‘Don’t make a fuss!’ or ‘How ridiculous!’

9. Marelli (mar-el-lee)

Interestingly, this expression derives from Malta’s deeply ingrained Catholic faith. This versatile phrase is a non-blasphemous modification of the Holy Mother’s name and is used whenever one might feel scared, sad or even angry! Indeed, both this and the original ‘Madonna’ are widely used in moments of overwhelm or frustration, almost as if calling for divine intervention! Other interesting religious derivatives include ‘Illallu’ and ‘Illistra’, both of which are more commonly used to express surprise or wonder.

10. Bomba! (bom-ba)

Anything we consider cool, that excites us or that fits right into our plans is rejoiced with a ‘Bomba!’ It actually means ‘bomb’ and you can just picture the explosive sensation that is conveyed with the word.

11. Ħi (hee)

‘Ħi’ probably stems from ‘Ħija’ meaning ‘brother’ and can be used in different scenarios. It will often be used in the absence of knowing one’s name. Or as a term of endearment. Or even in condescension! Again, the opposing variations will depend a lot on the tone of voice, the context and the relationship in question. Got it, ħi?

To wrap it up

You may be surprised to discover that these Maltese phrases are just enough for the locals to have a complete conversation. The following statements could typically arise in a scenario when something has been announced that creates concern in one but excitement in another.

“Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?”
“Mela, ħi! Mhux hekk?”
“Ħeqq! Marelli!”
“U ajma! Bomba, ta!”

Isn’t it marvellous?

The post 11 Maltese phrases you need to know to get by in Malta appeared first on Pristineworks.