CODE: IMS 1003

TITLE: Maltese Onomastics

MQF LEVEL: 5

ECTS CREDITS: 2

DEPARTMENT: Junior College

DESCRIPTION:

This study explores the multifaceted dimensions of surnames and toponyms, beginning with the foundational terminology, classifications, and research methods used in surname studies, particularly in the Maltese context. It examines the historical layering, frequency, and variation of Maltese family names, while also analysing their grammatical and phonetic features such as suffixes, prepositions, and abbreviated forms. Special attention is given to surnames of Siculo-Arabic origin, those derived from parental lineage (patronymic and matronymic), and names based on geography, occupation, social status, or personal traits. The coursework then shifts to toponymy, introducing essential concepts and the value of place-name studies, including popular interpretations. It addresses the grammatical structure of toponyms, the inclusion of geographical elements, local flora and fauna, and anthroponyms (personal names) within place-names. Additional topics include: the origins of the names of Maltese cities, towns, and districts, unique cases, such as lost medieval settlements, the influence of the Knights and British rule, and other linguistic features like early attestations, layering, and the use of the term “Ħal'.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• By the end of the Study-Unit the student will be able to:
• distinguish between the semantic value and the grammatical typology of surnames and toponyms
• apply the basic principles of onomastics to nomenclature derived from Arabic, Sicilian, Italian, and English inherent in Maltese onomastics
• demarcate differences between Maltese, Sicilian, and Arabic naming conventions, recognizing their distinct linguistic and cultural influences on the local onomastic landscape
• critically evaluate various sources of onomastic data, including historical documents, oral traditions, and contemporary usage, to discern their reliability and significance.

2. Skills

By the end of the Study-Unit the student will be able to:

• analyse and interpret local surnames and toponyms
• put such analysis in a historical and cultural context
• be in a position to conduct research of their own on the subjects under discussion.

Main Reading List

• Cassar, Mario. The Surnames of the Maltese Islands. BDL, Malta, 2003 (available at UOM Library).
• Cassar, Mario. ‘Maltese Surnames: The Sicilian and Italian Connections’. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis (University of Malta), 2011 (available online).
• Wettinger, Godfrey. The Place-Names of the Maltese Islands. PEG, Malta, 2000 (available at UOM library).

Supplementary Reading List

• Caffarelli, Enzo & Carla Marcato. I cognomi d'Italia: dizionario storico ed etimologico (2 vol.). UTET, Italy, 2008 (available at UOM Library).
• Caracausi, Girolamo. Dizionario onomastico della Sicilia (2 vol.), Epos, Sicily, 1994 (available at UOM Library).
• Hough, George (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Names and Naming. OUP, 2016 (available at UOM Library).
• Salafia, Simon. The Place-names of Gozo (2 vol.). Malta, 2022 (available at UOM library).
• Zammit Ciantar, Joe. The Place-names of the Coast of Gozo. Malta, 2003 (available at Junior College Library).

STUDY-UNIT TYPE: Lecture

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT:

Component                                        Weighting

Assignment                                         100%