Language/Maltese/Vocabulary/Months-of-the-Year
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Introduction: In this lesson, we will delve into one of the essential aspects of the Maltese language: the months of the year. Understanding the months is crucial for everyday conversation, making appointments, scheduling events, and discussing anniversaries or birthdays. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid grasp of the Maltese names for each month and how to use them in sentences. So, let's get started!
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
The months of the year in Maltese are as follows:
| Maltese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jannar | ['jan:ar] | January |
| Frar | [frar] | February |
| Marzu | [mar:zu] | March |
| April | [a:pril] | April |
| Mejju | [mejju] | May |
| Ġunju | ['dʒun:ju] | June |
| Lulju | ['lul:ju] | July |
| Awissu | [awis:u] | August |
| Settembru | [set:embru] | September |
| Ottubru | [ɔt:ubru] | October |
| Novembru | [nɔv:embru] | November |
| Diċembru | [di:tʃembru] | December |
Usage[edit | edit source]
Now that we have learned the names of each month, let's explore how to use them in sentences. In Maltese, when referring to a specific month, we use the preposition "f'" before the name of the month. For example:
- Nixtieq inżomm laqgħa tal-ħolmuri f' Mejju. (I want to have a holiday in May.)
- L-anniversarju tiegħi huwa f' Ottubru. (My anniversary is in October.)
- Il-birthday tiegħi huwa f' Diċembru. (My birthday is in December.)
Notice how we use the preposition "f'" to indicate that something is happening in a specific month. It is important to remember to use the correct preposition to convey the intended meaning.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Maltese culture, the months of the year hold special significance, not only for practical purposes but also for traditional celebrations and events. Let's explore some interesting cultural facts related to specific months:
1. Jannar (January): Jannar is a month of new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time when many Maltese people make resolutions for the year ahead. The first day of the year, known as "L-Ewwel tas-Sena," is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting.
2. Frar (February): Frar is the month of Carnival in Malta. Festivities take place throughout the month, with colorful parades, masked balls, and street parties. The most famous Carnival celebration takes place in the capital city of Valletta, attracting locals and tourists alike.
3. Marzu (March): Marzu marks the beginning of spring in Malta. It is a time when nature awakens, and the Maltese countryside becomes adorned with blooming flowers. March 19th is a public holiday in Malta, known as "Jum San Ġużepp" (St. Joseph's Day), commemorating the patron saint of workers.
4. April (April): April is a month of religious significance in Malta, with the celebration of Easter. The streets come alive with processions and religious rituals, culminating in the joyous Easter Sunday festivities.
5. Mejju (May): May is a month of festivities and celebrations in Malta. The most notable event is the "L-Imnarja" festival, held on June 29th, but preparations and related events take place throughout May. It is a traditional agricultural festival, celebrating the harvest and the beginning of summer.
6. Ġunju (June): Ġunju is the month of weddings in Malta. Many couples choose to tie the knot in the beautiful Maltese countryside or by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular time for destination weddings, with couples from around the world choosing Malta as their wedding destination.
7. Lulju (July): Lulju is a month of warm weather and summer holidays in Malta. Many Maltese people take their annual vacations during this time, flocking to the beaches and coastal resorts. The Maltese islands offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making July an ideal time for relaxation and outdoor activities.
8. Awissu (August): Awissu is a month of religious devotion in Malta, with the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th. It is a public holiday, and many towns and villages hold processions and feasts in honor of the occasion.
9. Settembru (September): Settembru marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year in Malta. It is a month of transition, with students returning to their studies and families settling back into their routines after the summer holidays.
10. Ottubru (October): Ottubru is a month of cultural events and festivities in Malta. The Malta International Film Festival takes place in October, showcasing local and international films. It is also a month of traditional religious feasts, with processions and celebrations in various towns and villages.
11. Novembru (November): Novembru is a month of remembrance in Malta. On November 8th, the country commemorates "Jum il-Vitorja" (Victory Day), marking the end of British rule in Malta in 1945. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and patriotic events.
12. Diċembru (December): Diċembru is a month of festivities and Christmas preparations in Malta. The streets are adorned with lights and decorations, and traditional Christmas markets take place in various towns and villages. It is a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and the enjoyment of festive delicacies.
These cultural insights provide a glimpse into the significance of each month in Maltese culture and highlight the rich traditions and celebrations that take place throughout the year.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you have learned:
Exercise 1: Match the Maltese months with their English translations. 1. Jannar 2. Marzu 3. Mejju 4. Lulju 5. Ottubru 6. Diċembru
a. January b. March c. May d. July e. October f. December
Solution: 1. Jannar - a. January 2. Marzu - b. March 3. Mejju - c. May 4. Lulju - d. July 5. Ottubru - e. October 6. Diċembru - f. December
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences with the correct month in Maltese. 1. In _________, Malta celebrates the feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck. 2. My birthday is in _________. 3. Carnival takes place in _________. 4. The summer holidays usually start in _________. 5. _________ is a month of new beginnings and resolutions.
Solution: 1. In Febru, Malta celebrates the feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck. 2. My birthday is in Lulju. 3. Carnival takes place in Frar. 4. The summer holidays usually start in Ġunju. 5. Jannar is a month of new beginnings and resolutions.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on the months of the year in Maltese. You have learned the names of each month, how to use them in sentences, and gained insights into their cultural significance. Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your everyday vocabulary to become more proficient in the Maltese language. In the next lesson, we will explore another aspect of everyday vocabulary. Saħħa! (Goodbye!)
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Maltese - The Months - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Level 10 - Months of the Year - Maltese Part 1 - Vocabulary Builder ...
- Maltese language - Wikipedia
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Parts of the Body
- Education
- Time ħin
- Essential Phrases in Maltese
- Family Members
- Beverages
- Adverbs in Maltese
- Sports
- Food
- Seasons
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