Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/176463
11 Survey maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2013 MALTATODAY IDENTITY SURVEY Language is what makes us Maltese JAMES DEBONO OUR unique Semitic language, 'culture', nanna's bragioli… Joseph Calleja, the prime minister, Independence and the Republic, Kinnie, Cisk and kunserva – pretty much all you need to know about the EU's smallest Member State. These are exciting revelations: MaltaToday's new "identity survey" has lifted the lid on the curious make-up of the Maltese. Contrary to popular misconceptions, and perhaps a strong confirmation of our earlier survey on the à la carte Catholicism of the Maltese islands, the Maltese people feel united by language, rather than religion (even though this still rates a high fourth in cultural identifiers). Over two-thirds of respondents say the Maltese language could be the greatest signifier of national unity, but only 2.3% referred to Malta's bilingualism as a mark of their identity. Still, 17% of respondents to this survey say they speak both Maltese and English at home, with this percentage rising to a staggering 27% where respondents were university-educated. MaltaToday's survey on identity coincides with the 49th anniversary of Maltese independence, the last one before Malta's 'golden anniversary' as an independent nation. The survey reveals that 60% of respondents recall the date of independence took place in 1964, but a majority of respondents could not recall the date when Malta became a republic, in 1974, and when the British military base was closed in 1979. But nearly half of respondents recall that the Great Siege took place in 1565. The most obscure national feast is the one commemorating the Sette Gugnio – the 7 June of 1919 – whose date is only recalled by 30%. The survey also indicates a slackening in national historic awareness among younger respondents. Only some 20% of under 35-year-olds recall when the British military base was closed and just over 50% know that Malta became independent in 1964. Younger respondents were also the least likely to know that the majority of Malta's inhabitants were Muslims in the early Middle Ages. The belief that the Maltese were always Christian is especially stronger among respondents who said they had voted PN in the last general elections. The survey shows that culture, food and religion are the other main defining aspects of Maltese identity, although younger respondents tend to be more secular in their definition of being Maltese. The survey also suggests that Maltese national identity is more culturally defined, and is not based on racial or ethnic constructs. In fact a relative majority of Maltese tend to favour a relaxation of citizenship rules that would allow the children of migrants who have completed their schooling in Malta, to become full Maltese citizens. But unlike Nationalist voters, Labour voters tend to be more wary of extending Maltese citizenship to foreigners. The survey also reveals that the Maltese think that Kinnie, tomato products and beer are Malta's best products while tenor Joseph Calleja is the island's best representative in the world, curiously followed by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and a number of Eurovision singers. BY AGE 18-34 35-54 55+ All Language Culture Food Religion 'National Pride' Generosity Other character traits Citizenship 'Born in Malta' Feasts 69 29 20 9.1 9.4 3.8 3.8 13.2 5.7 3.8 69.3 29.1 16.5 12.1 10.2 8.3 7.8 7.8 4.4 8.7 67.1 18.6 13.8 20.4 11.4 9 9.8 7.8 5.8 8.2 68.2 22 15.7 14.3 10.6 8.6 8.6 8.3 7.7 7.6 Absent from the list are the names of authors, songwriters and scientists which tend to dominate similar polls in other countries alongside pop star celebrities. Italy is still seen as a cultural reference point by a large number Maltese, and Italian influence defines Maltese culinary preferences, with pasta emerging as a favourite dish, followed by rabbit and fish. Religion is a more important aspect of identity for elderly respondents. While one-fifth of over 55s consider religion as one of the three things which make them Maltese, less than 10% of under-34s think likewise. Similarly 'generosity' is a more important factor for over-55s. While a tenth of this cohort consider this trait as one of the three things which make them Maltese, only 4% of under 34s say likewise. Even feasts are more likely to be seen as an essential component of being Maltese by those aged over 34. On the other hand, citizenship is a more important factor for those aged under 34. Overall, the Maltese tend to emphasise cultural and environmental factors, and very few refer to physical appearance or genetic qualities. Only one-tenth refer to national pride as a factor in their definition of Maltese-ness. But a significant number (17%) refer to specific character traits, and 9% refer specifically to Maltese 'generosity' as a defining national trait. The make-up of identity What three characteristics make you Maltese? Maltese language Culture Food Religion National Pride Generosity Other character traits Citizenship Feasts Traditions History Environment Family values Climate Born in Malta Living in Malta Flag/national symbols Way of life Noise Small size of country Bilingual Obesity Hunting Colonialism Physical appearance % 68.2 22 15.7 14.3 10.6 8.6 8.6 8.3 7.6 7.4 6.6 6.3 5.5 5.5 5.7 5.7 4.9 2.9 2.3 2.3 2.3 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Respondents were not prompted but were asked to state three characteristics which make them Maltese. Foreign residents who do not consider themselves Maltese were asked to name three characteristics, which constitute Maltese identity.