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A Market Visitor's View

Walking down the corridor at University, I notice a poster which says that there will be a Maltese Market on June 13 in front of the Audimax. Certainly, I remember that there was an excursion to Malta a few weeks ago, but to be honest I know nothing about this place. Where is it situated anyhow? I suppose it could be somewhere in the north butI am not really sure. What kind of country is Malta, and why have I heard so little about it before? Obviously I am exactly the person who should go to this Maltese Market.

Actually it is not very difficult to find the location of the market for I am definitely not the only student who has approached curiously. There are people everywhere standing around the different exhibits, looking at pictures or watching excurison films. But even if I had not heard the noise or seen the crowd of people I would have found the place only because of the delicious smell which spreads out slowly. Furthermore, I can see a table with several Maltese snacks to be sold. Unfortunately I have no money at all, so I just have a look at the interesting names of the dishes. Aftewards I go on the "history trail."

At the history trail I decide to do the quiz. Sometimes it is not easy to find the answers to the questions. However, by following the trail I get to know that Malta is a small state to the south of Italy consisting of the islands Malta, Gozo and Comino. The languages which are spoken in Malta are Maltese and English as well because it is a member of the Comnmonwealth. In an interview with Maltese students, excursion participants discovered how they use these two languages, how they communicate at home, at university and among their peers. I take the view that is must be great to grow up bilingual because many things certainly become easier, such as learning other languages.

But back to my own little excursion into Maltese history and politics in order to answer the questions belonging to the quiz: I read that there have been invasions by trfomans, Arabs, and Normans and that there is a long religious tradition.

Finally I have to say that in my opinion this Maltese Market was a good idea. It is interesting to see where the other students went a couple of weeks ago. Simultaneously I get to know something about the country, the culture, language and pöeople of this small place. Of course, not every busy student has the time to spend some hours at a Maltese Market and look at all the presentations - that is a pity.

Sandra Diehl