According to a recently published skills survey in Malta, a higher proportion of individuals comprehend English compared to Maltese.

The survey, which examined language skills, revealed that 96% of respondents reported understanding English, while 90% indicated comprehension of Maltese. Additionally, 62% of participants stated they understand Italian.

Interestingly, individuals aged 25 and above displayed a greater aptitude for comprehending Italian and Arabic compared to younger generations. This disparity can be attributed to older individuals having been exposed to Italian through television or having learned Arabic during mandatory schooling. In contrast, younger people feel more confident in their fluency in French and German.

The survey also highlighted a concerning trend regarding the proficiency of written Maltese. The number of individuals capable of reading and writing the language proficiently was significantly lower than those who could speak it fluently.