UNIVERSIDAD PEDAGGICA EXPERIMENTAL LIBERTADOR

INSTITUTO PEDAGGICO DE CARACAS

DEPARTAMENTO DE IDIOMAS MODERNOS
PROGRAMA INGLS
CTEDRA DE CULTURA Y LITERATURA

The study of history and culture of Canada and Malta

Course: Introduccin a la Cultura y a la

Literatura del Mundo de Habla Inglesa

Class: 001
Professor:
Adriana Gonzlez
Author:
Aura Abud

Caracas, February 2017

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 INDEX

pp.

INTRODUCTION 1

CANADA AND MALTA

GEOGRAPHY . 4

HISTORY 4

POLITICS 6

ECONOMY.. 6

CULTURE AND LITERATURE. 7

LANGUAGE... 8

CONCLUSIONS 11

BIBLIOGRAPHY 12

APPENDIXES 13

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 Introduction

In order to understand why English has become a universal language among

members of a society that do not share a mother tongue, is necessary to study the culture
and linguistics aspects of various countries. For instances, the inhabitants of Canada and
Malta have been influenced by different linguistic variation of English and how the British
Empire and some European influences impacted the history of these countries. So, this
research paper reflects a brief description about historical background, geographical,
political, economic, language and cultural aspects of Malta and Canada.

Through different period of time both countries came under British rule and English
language became predominant among members of society. The geographical location of
Canada and Malta allows developing their economy and the diversity of their customs. In
addition, their cultural life has contributed to the expansion of the language. In terms of
language Canada and Malta have two official languages; English and French in the case of
Canada, Maltese and English in the case of Malta. Moreover, it allows to analyze the
sociolinguistic variation and understand the evolution of the language in both countries.

Finally, the purpose of this paper is to show significant information between Canada
and Malta, their history and culture in which English is the predominant language. For this
reason, it is to study the English language in terms of communication, business relationship
and social-cultural aspects. Moreover, it is important to mention why it is relevant for ESL
teachers to appreciate the evolution of the English language and how it emerged in those
countries. Furthermore, this information could encourage students to learn and understand
the connection of English with other countries around the world.

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 Geography

1.1 Canada

Canada is located in the northernmost part of North America. According to The Map of
World 2016, Canadas only land borders are with the United States, at two separate points.
Canada borders the United Sates along its southern border, as well as its western border,
where it borders the US state of Alaska. In addition, Canada has three oceans lines frontiers
that it means the country borders to the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the
west and the Arctic Ocean to the north, making it the longest coastline in the world. Canada
is the second largest country with 10 million square kilometers and Toronto is the largest
city in Canada. The country is divided into 10 provinces and three territories, its landscape
is diverse. (Discover Canada, 2012, p. 44)

1.2 Malta

Malta is a small independent nation and located in the middle of the Mediterranean.
It is also constituted by three islands which are; Malta, Gozo and Comino and they are
composed by sedimentary rocks. (Castillo, 2006). The main island which is Malta larger
than the other two islands and it is also the third most densely populated country in Europe
after Vatican City and Monaco. (Ring, 1995, p. 411)

History

2.1 Canada

Canada was occupied by aboriginal people and most of them were hunters and
farmers. However, nowadays three different groups represent the aboriginal people that are
Indian, the Inuit and Mtis. The Mtis group is a mix between Indian and European people.
In addition, when Europeans began to settle Canada, the indigenous lifestyles changed and
they lost their independence, but British and French had to adopt Indian ways of living in
order to survive. In relation to that, Frg, (1998) said, in 1497 John Cabot attempted to
reach China but ended in Canada. Then, Jacques Cartier discovered the Lawrence River in
Canada so he took the country for France; as a consequence in 1608 Quebec was founded.
In spite of that, the economy was established by treaty between them and developed a

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strong business relationship so as to improve the quality of life. (Discover Canada, 2012, p.
11)

At the same time English and French colonies battled for the control of territory.
Great Britain got the monopoly and made the Frenchs empire declined, despite the land
was conquered by the British, the Aboriginal tried to preserve their lifestyle, religion and
law by the Royal Proclamation of 1763. (Lepage, 2009, p.14)

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, during the Revolutionary War many

American citizens moved to Canada changing Canadas culture, then Canada and the
United States permitted dual citizenship. Moreover, many ethnic groups coexisted to
establish a good economy and political strategies, in order to live in harmony and preserve
their heritage for future generations. (Uribe, 2006, p.16)

2.2 Malta

According to Castillo (2006), Malta was ruled by different conquerors in diverse

periods of time; first, the pre-historical period began when Malta was settled by the
Phoenicians about 800 BCE and they called it The large island of Malta Malat, that it
means refuge. They were sailors and traders and controlled the sea routes in the whole
Mediterranean. In addition, the Phoenicians arrived to Malta, spread their commerce and
built religious temples. Later, a group of Phoenicians who had founded Carthage moved to
Malta and controlled the trade and military power and it also was their military base. Before
Roman period, it emerged a conflict between Carthaginians and Romans which caused the
Punic Wars. They fought to take control over Sicily.

After that, Arabs ruled Malta; they built an irrigation system that it is still used
today and innovative agricultural system. They promoted tolerant regulations between
Muslims and Christians. For this reason, Arabs said, Malta is rich in everything gooda
blessing from Godwell populates, with towns and villages, trees and fruit. (Tschanz,
2011, p. 5) Maltese were influenced by Arabs until the Normans defeated them and Malta
was governed by them. They arrived from Sicily and Italian became the official language
on the island and it was used by upper classes. (Eccardt, p.130) However, some evidences

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suggest that a group of agriculturalist from Sicily were the early settlers, they exploited
natural caves and established in a strategic location. (Ginn, Enlander, Crozier, 2014, p.87)

Politics

3.1 Canada

As seen in the Encyclopedia Britannica (2016), Justin Trudeau is the head of

government in Canada; he is the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada and the leader of the
Liberal Party. According to the Guide to the Canadian House of Commons (2016), Canada
is a constitutional monarchy so Elizabeth II is Canadas formal Head of state and the
Governor General represents the Queen in Canada. The senate reviews laws that are
proposed by the House of Commons and it makes Canadas laws. The prime minister is the
head of government in Canada and he or she chooses members to serve as ministers in the
cabinet.

3.2 Malta

Since independence, Malta became a member of the commonwealth and it is a

democratic republic. The president is the head of state. He is elected by the House of
Representatives for five years term. (Malta Foreign Policy and Government Guide, 2013, p.
33) In addition, in March 2013, Dr Joseph Muscat won the elections as Prime Minister and
in April 2014, Marie Louise Coleiro was unanimously elected President by parliament.
(The Commonwealth 2016)

Economy

4.1 Canada

In early time some the main economic activities were the hunting, farming and
fishing of First Nation. Later, water transportation was the main source to export natural
resources. (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2016)

However, Canada was first approached by Europeans when the first companies
were formed. Later, in 1885 a railway was built by Europeans and Chinese as a result
Canadas economy grew and became more industrialized (Discover Canada, 2012, p. 20) In

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addition, Canada has one of the largest economies in the world and it is part of the G8
group of leading industrialized countries with the United States, Germany, the United
Kingdom, Italy, France, Japan, and Russia. (Op cit. p. 43)

4.2 Malta

The traditional agricultural and fishing economy of early time was gradually
transformed, as a result the economy of Malta has been based on tourism, manufacturing
and foreign trade. Its geographical position gives the opportunity to make a good treaty.
Nowadays, the tourism makes a crucial contribution and plays an important role in the
economy of Malta. (Malta Country Study Guide, 2013, p. 199)

Culture and Literature

5.1 Canada

Canadian culture has been influenced by French and British customs, religions,
languages and traditions. However, many Native Canadians has preserved their own
traditional beliefs and spiritual practices, their storytelling has been transmitted through
older to younger generations. In addition, American culture has been adopted by
Canadians; as a consequence Canada became a multicultural country. (Kalma, 2010, p.4)

Based on what Marsh (199) states, oral literature is a basic part of Canadian history
because written communication dates back to the conquest era. The oral literature took
many forms such as songs, poems, tales, drama, proverbs, and legends among others in
order to preserve their identities.

5.2 Malta

The Culture of Malta is homogeneous so it has been principal composed by a large

manifestation of citizens from the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Arabia. Its culture
provides a fascinating window from past to present allowing them to preserve their
backgrounds. (Malta Country Study Guide, 2013, p.35)

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 In addition, there are several aspects that enrich Maltese culture its own language
and literature, music and arts. Maltese is the first language although English is the official
language and the most used by the citizen. Literature has been inspired by islanders
expression. Painters and sculptors were educated in Rome and baroque style replaced
neoclassical architecture. (Frendo, 2010, p. 846)

In terms of literature, Maltese poetry and narrative prose contributed to record

Maltas history. Oral poetry is a popular form of entertainment that combines a variety of
poems that are sung to the musical accompaniment of guitars which is known as Ghana.
(Sheeban, 2000, p. 95) Early literary works were written by hand and most of them refer to
Romantic literature, subsequently literature was influenced by Italian, Sicilian and English.
Then, the Italian introduced the printing press and it contributed to record and preserve
their heritage. (Friggieri, p. 101, 102) Besides, Dun Karm was one of the most notable
Maltese poets before Malta became independent from British colony and after
independence many writers revolutionized the cannon of literature. (Murphy, 1998, p. 212)

Language

Canada

As remarked in the Constitution of Canada in its art 16, Canada is a bilingual

country, French and English are recognized as the official languages. Following that idea,
Edwards (1998) state that Canadian English is a mixture of cultures from British settlers.
French and the aboriginal languages also added words to the Canadian English so it has its
own rule. In spite of that, French is the dominant language in Quebec. Moreover, nowadays
native languages are still spoken in Canada.

Malta

According to Countries and their Culture (2016), Maltese spoken language is

unique because is the only European language in the Afro-Asiatic family, which includes
Arabic, Hebrew, Berber and Hausa. Following those ideas, Sheehan (2000) states that,
Romance words were adopted by Maltese people so as Italian became the official language.
At the same time, the educated people, the royalty and politicians used Italian language, but

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when British Empire arrived to Malta they imposed their language and Italian was replaced
with English. In addition, the Constitution of Malta (1974), Article 5, page 7 state, The
National language of Malta is the Maltese language. The Maltese and the English languages
and such other language as may be prescribed by Parliament so Maltese and English are
the official languages in Malta.

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 CONCLUSIONS

Canada and Malta have become a multicultural society because many ethnic groups
coexisted and mixed their roots and various factors determined their history. In addition,
both countries were settled by European Empires and some European influences have left a
remarkable impact over their literature, culture and history. During the colonization many
languages were spoken in those countries. In spite of that, English became a predominant
language and universal language to communicate among members of society that did not
share a mother tongue. These aspects have opened the doors to an intercultural
interchanges. For example; English is one of the official languages of Canada and Malta
and it is used in Political power, business, trade, tourism, among other. In addition, French
is the dominant language in Quebec, but English is the dominant language in all Canada.
On the contrary, English language is more predominant than the Maltese language in Malta
thus both countries are bilingual.

Furthermore, the description of their geography shows their location. Besides, how
settler arrived to those countries and how they changed the cultural traditions of Canada
and Malta in order to become multicultural countries. Meanwhile, Canada and Maltas
geographical position gives the opportunities to develop economy.

In the political aspects, their system is different, but both countries after their
independence from British Empire they began to organize their political system. As a result
Canada is a constitutional monarchy while Malta is a parliamentary government. However,
both countries decide who will be the president by voting and the person who wins
elections has to carry out the responsibility inherent in the position.

Finally, literature in both countries is very similar; Canada and Malta are recognized
by their oral literature. In relation to that, Maltese literature is defined by two periods; one
of them is before independence where Romantic literature was more notable, but after
independence many writers revolutionized the cannon of literature.

To sum up, the conquest of Canada and Malta by British Empire has had advantages
and disadvantages. First, during the colonization period both countries have been under
European rule and imposed their law system over Canada and Malta as a consequence the

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lifestyle of the aboriginal people changed. However, the conquered and conqueror had to
coexist together and they mixed their roots, which contributed to the social evolution of
both countries. Second, English was adopted by colonized people in order to communicate
thus English language has been spread around the world. Third, settler took the land and
resources to commercialize them with other countries; nevertheless this allowed the
development of economy in both nations. In the case of Canada the railway permitted the
transportation and industrialization as a result the economy grew. Fourth, after
independence both countries started to organize their political systems to continue working
hard to develop them. In addition, the commonwealth helped Canada and Malta after the
independence. Finally, Canada and Malta have had difficult times through history.
However, the mixture of cultures and languages contributed to the growth of countries, the
diversity of cultural tradition and the expansion of the English language.

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 Bibliography

Castillo, D. (2006). The Maltese cross: A strategic history of Malta. USA.

Capdevila, I. (2004). A view of the linguistic situation in Malta. Italy.

Constitution of Malta, arrangement of articles (1974). Malta.

Constitution of Canada, Acts 1867 to 1982 (2012).

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship (2012)

Eccardt, T. (2005) Screts of the Seven Smallest States of Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica (2016) [On-line page] Retrieved from:

http://www.britannica.com/ebchecked/topic/9150/Canadian-literature. (Consulted: 2016,
December 16th).

Edwards, J. (2010) Language in Canada.

Frendo, H. (1975). Language and Nationality in an Island Colony: Malta. Canadian Review
of Studies in Nationalism.

Frg, N. (1998) Canada: Pacific Coast, The Rockies, Prairie Provinces, and The Territories.

Friggieri, O. (2005). Main trends in the history of Maltese literature. Malta

Guide to the Canadian House of Commons (2016)

IPB, Inc. (2013) Malta Foreign Policy and Government Guide. Volume 1, Strategic
Informaton, Programs and Developments.

Lepage, P. (2009) Aboriginal Peoples. Fact and Fiction.

Kalma, B. (2010) Canada the Culture.

Krller, E. (1198) The Cambrige Companion to Canadian Literature

Ring, T. (1995). International Dictionary of History places. Volume 3, Southern Europe.

Sheeban, S. (2000) Cultures of th World. Malta

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The Commonwelth.Org. (2016) [On-line page] Retrieved from:
http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/malta/constitution-politicsConsulted:
2016, December 16th).

Tschanz, D. (2011) Malta and the Arabs

Uribe, J. (2006) Focal.

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Appendix

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 CANADA

Official Name Canada

Capital City Ottawa
Official Languages English and French
Religion Roman Catholicism
Land Extension 9.093.507 Km2
Population 34.300,083
Population Distribution Ontario 38,4%, Quebec 23,6%, British Columbia 13,1%
Density of population 3.851,787 sq mi
Weather Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Highest Point Mount Logan 5.959 m.
Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean 0 m.
Most Important Rivers Mackenzie, Yukon, Saint Lawrence, Nelson, Slave, Columbia
Literature English writers: Samuel Hearne, Alexander Mackenzie, Simon
Fraser, Magaret Atwood.

French writers: Joseph Quesnel, Joseph Mermet, Michel Bilbaud,

Jean Charbonneau.

Natural Resources Iron, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, diamonds, silver, fish, timber,
wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas and hydropower.
Currency Canadian dollar (Symbol: $C; Code: CAD)
Exports Motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, timber,
electricity, natural gas, petroleum.
Exports to Mexico, China, U.S.A., U.K.
Imports Industrial machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts,
crude oil, chemicals,
Imports from China, France, Mexico, U.S.A., India, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil.
Membership in intl. trade Commonwealth, European Union, Arctic Council, La Francophonie,
organizations Order of Malta, UNESCO.

Taken from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworldfactbook/geos/mt.html,

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5382.htm,
http://www.canada.com/en/aboutcanada/geography,
https://www.britanica.com/EBchecked/topic/9150/canadianliterature/59352/drama#toc42331.

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 REPUBLIC OF MALTA

Official Name Republic of Malta

Capital City Valletta
Official Language Maltese and English
Religion Roman Catholicism
Land Extension 316 km2
Population 416,110 (July 2013 estimate)
Population Distribution Maltese 95.3%, British 1.6%, Other 3.1%
Density of population 1,317 per sq. km
Weather Mediterranean
Highest Point Ta' Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)
Lowest Point Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Most Important River Malta has no rivers. The countrys reserves of fresh water are extremely
limited, and it relies heavily on desalination for its water supply.
Literature Ruar Briffa, Anton Buttigieg, Ray Buttigieg, Pietru Caxaro, Ninu
Cremona, Francis Ebejer, Achille Mizzi, Oliver Friggieri, Alfons Maria
Galea, uz Galea, Karmenu Mallia, Herbert Ganado, Gioacchino
Navarro, u Bonnici, or Pisani, Dun Karm Psaila, u Cassar
Pullicino, Frans Said, Frans Sammut, Mikiel Anton Vassalli, Trevor
ahra, Godfrey Wettinger.

Resources Limestone, salt, arable land.

Currency Euro as from 1st January 2008.
Exports Machinery and mechanical appliances; mineral fuels, oils and products;
pharmaceutical products; printed books and newspapers;
aircraft/spacecraft and parts; toys, games, and sports equipment.
Exports to Germany 14.9%, France 12.3%, Italy 7.2%, UK 5.2%, Libya
5%, Netherlands 4.1% (2012)
Imports Mineral fuels, oils and products; electrical machinery; aircraft/spacecraft
and parts thereof; machinery and mechanical appliances; plastic and
other semi-manufactured goods; vehicles and parts thereof.
Imports from Italy 39.2%, UK 7.3%, France 7.3%, Germany 6.4%, Spain 4.1% (2012)
Membership in intl. United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade
trade organizations Organization, Organization for Security, Cooperation in Europe, North
Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO), European Union (EU), Euro
single currency and the Schengen Agreement to abolish border checks
among some EU member states and neighbors.
Taken from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html,
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5382.htm,
http://www.malta.com/en/about-malta/geography

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