Do you consider the Maltese to be Arabs?

[Bobby Martnen]

Nope, it is an ethnic identity too. Maltese and Yemenis are Semitic in the way Swedes and Indians are Indo-European.

The Maltese language is partially Semitic, but that's it.

[oszkar07]

You only have to look at them to see the influence , also as evidenced in their language.

They are not Arabs in terms of culture and identity but I would say genetically they have Arab lines and old linguistic /cultural influences.
So no not really but on the other hand Yes.

[wvwvw]

Only ignorant people they’d consider them Arabs, they are a sub group of Sicilians.

[Porn Master]

wvwvw is an arab

[wvwvw]

You only have to look at them to see the influence , also as evidenced in their language.

They are not Arabs in terms of culture and identity but I would say genetically they have Arab lines and old linguistic /cultural influences.
So no not really but on the other hand Yes.

In terms of culture they are not arabic. They are Catholics and have been influenced a great deal by Western Europe. In terms of genetics they are similar to Sicilians.

The Knights of St. John

During the rule of the Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights of Malta), the population of Malta increased significantly, from around 25,000 in 1535 to over 54,000 in 1632. One of the primary reasons was an improvement in health and welfare, but also immigration from Western Europe.
This period, under the rule of the Knights of St. John, is often referred to as the Golden Age for Malta, considering the flourishing of Maltese culture with the architectural and artistic embellishment witnessed during the Knights’ rule. The various advances in overall health, education and wealth of the Maltese are also an important part of this perception of Malta’s Golden Age.

The Knights introduced Renaissance and Baroque architecture in Maltese towns and villages, which is still evident in many places of interest, most notably the capital city Valletta and the Valletta Grand Harbour. In education, the Knights laid the foundation of the present-day University of Malta, which as a result is one of the oldest extant universities in Europe.
In 1798, Malta fell under French rule after the Knights surrendered Malta to Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces. At that time, the population of Malta was recorded being at 114,000.

Malta Under French rule

Although the period under French rule was rather short (1798-1800), the impact on Maltese culture was significant. Some French customs and expressions were introduced into every day Maltese language: Words such as bonġu (“good day”) and bonswa (“good evening”) are still used today. Malta was given a Constitution within six days by Napoleon, slavery was abolished, a secondary school system established, the university system was revised almost completely and the legal system of Malta was enhanced by a new Civil Code of law.
French rule did not only bring improvements to Malta and its people, however. Maltese churches were ransacked, being robbed of gold, silver and precious art, which sparked an uprising that ended in the execution of a number of Maltese patriots.

The British in Malta

Maltese culture, language and politics underwent radical changes under British rule, from 1800 to 1964. The addition of Malta to the British Empire was a voluntary request made by the Maltese people in an attempt to rid the Maltese islands of the French. Its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean made Malta an excellent station for British forces, whilst the opening of the Suez Canal further improved the importance of Malta as a supply station and naval base.
While British rule ended in 1964, its traces and influences in Maltese culture are still visible. Maltese versions of English words are often used in more formal language, while the more wealthy families often use English as the primary language used in the household and in some instances children are brought up without being taught Maltese.
In material form, many remnants of British rule remain, with the most simple examples being mail collection boxes and phone boxes having been left in their original placements.

[oszkar07]

In terms of culture they are not arabic. They are Catholics and have been influenced a great deal by Western Europe.

The Knights of St. John

During the rule of the Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights of Malta), the population of Malta increased significantly, from around 25,000 in 1535 to over 54,000 in 1632. One of the primary reasons was an improvement in health and welfare, but also immigration from Western Europe.
This period, under the rule of the Knights of St. John, is often referred to as the Golden Age for Malta, considering the flourishing of Maltese culture with the architectural and artistic embellishment witnessed during the Knights’ rule. The various advances in overall health, education and wealth of the Maltese are also an important part of this perception of Malta’s Golden Age.

The Knights introduced Renaissance and Baroque architecture in Maltese towns and villages, which is still evident in many places of interest, most notably the capital city Valletta and the Valletta Grand Harbour. In education, the Knights laid the foundation of the present-day University of Malta, which as a result is one of the oldest extant universities in Europe.
In 1798, Malta fell under French rule after the Knights surrendered Malta to Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces. At that time, the population of Malta was recorded being at 114,000.

Malta Under French rule

Although the period under French rule was rather short (1798-1800), the impact on Maltese culture was significant. Some French customs and expressions were introduced into every day Maltese language: Words such as bonġu (“good day”) and bonswa (“good evening”) are still used today. Malta was given a Constitution within six days by Napoleon, slavery was abolished, a secondary school system established, the university system was revised almost completely and the legal system of Malta was enhanced by a new Civil Code of law.
French rule did not only bring improvements to Malta and its people, however. Maltese churches were ransacked, being robbed of gold, silver and precious art, which sparked an uprising that ended in the execution of a number of Maltese patriots.

The British in Malta

Maltese culture, language and politics underwent radical changes under British rule, from 1800 to 1964. The addition of Malta to the British Empire was a voluntary request made by the Maltese people in an attempt to rid the Maltese islands of the French. Its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean made Malta an excellent station for British forces, whilst the opening of the Suez Canal further improved the importance of Malta as a supply station and naval base.
While British rule ended in 1964, its traces and influences in Maltese culture are still visible. Maltese versions of English words are often used in more formal language, while the more wealthy families often use English as the primary language used in the household and in some instances children are brought up without being taught Maltese.
In material form, many remnants of British rule remain, with the most simple examples being mail collection boxes and phone boxes having been left in their original placements.

I said that by culture and identity they are not Arabs.
But compared to any other Europeans they are most likely the closest to Arabs.
Many can pass as Levantines.

[Teucer]

They're basically Arabic-speaking Sicilians. But because they speak Arabic, they're Arab.

That's a bit hypocritical for you to say since you have said before that you don't consider Greek Cypriots to be European because of their genetics, despite their speaking a European language which is arguably closer to Ancient Greek than modern Koine.

Why do you apply different standards to different people?

[Bobby Martnen]

That's a bit hypocritical for you to say since you have said before that you don't consider Greek Cypriots to be European because of their genetics, despite their speaking a European language which is arguably closer to Ancient Greek than modern Koine.

Why do you apply different standards to different people?

And Greek Cypriots are about 1/4-1/3 mainland Greek genetically

[Teucer]

And Greek Cypriots are about 1/4-1/3 mainland Greek genetically

Asked Sikeliot to reply to my question three times and still no reply...

[Bobby Martnen]

Asked Sikeliot to reply to my question three times and still no reply...

I don't think he's on the forum right now - I'm one of the few Apricians who pretty much spends my whole day here