Greeting

Shaking hands is a common greeting ritual in business. This ritual not only starts but also ends negotiations and meetings. During the handshake, which is accompanied by a welcoming smile, it is important to maintain eye contact with your partner.

When greeting a woman, a man should wait until she extends her hand to greet him.

Close friends or relatives may pat each other on the back, shoulder or arm when greeting each other.

The rules of politeness in Maltese culture dictate that a person older than you in age or position should be greeted with a certain amount of deference.

Common forms of greeting are: Bonġu! (Good morning!), Il-ġurnata it-tajba! (Good afternoon!).

Introduction

When communicating with Maltese colleagues, be aware of their hierarchical position in the company as well as the requirements of the relevant protocol.

At the initial stage of a business relationship, a partner should be addressed using polite forms such as Mr, Mrs/Ms, followed by the surname.

Stick to formalities when dealing with persons who hold administrative positions in a company or organisation.

Over time, your Maltese colleague may suggest that you call him/her by their first name. Do not take the initiative in this case, but wait for your partner to suggest it. In the meantime, older Maltese may continue the traditionally formal way of addressing colleagues throughout their interactions.

In terms of using names and titles/ranks, follow the lead of your Maltese colleagues. Stick to the appropriate level of formality.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Maltese business practice, it is customary to exchange business cards during introductions at the first meeting. The business card should be given to each person present.

The business card should contain the traditional information - name, surname, title, company name, all necessary addresses and telephone numbers.

The text of the business card can be written in English on one side of the card, which is the second official language of Malta after Maltese and is spoken by the majority of the population. The other side of the business card can be in Italian (also very common in Malta) or in your mother tongue, for example.

Not only the text of the business card, but also all official documentation and correspondence is conducted in English. It is also the working language of business meetings and negotiations.

Maltese language belongs to the group of Semitic languages, it is close to Arabic, especially its Maghreb dialect. However, it is now considered a separate language with its own syntactic, phonetic and lexical features. It is unique in its kind, as it is the only Semitic language to have a script based on the Latin alphabet.

Small Talk: Overview

Maltese tend to build a personal relationship with their partner and therefore attach great importance to conversing with them. They easily and with pleasure engage in small talk.

Humour is an important element of communication. Your Maltese partner will certainly appreciate a good joke and will be ready to tell a funny story or anecdote.

During the conversation it is very important to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor. By doing so, you show interest in the topic discussed.

Maltese tend to be emotional and expressive in conversation. If they get interested in a topic, they may be quite passionate and gesticulate vigorously.

Preferred Topics

Sport, and football in particular, is one of the popular topics.

If you mention a sport such as bocce (a ball game similar to bowling, pétanque and bowls), the latest regatta (traditionally held twice a year in spring and autumn) or equestrian sport (which has existed on the island since the 15th century), it will certainly impress your colleague.

A popular local competition is the so-called Gostra, a folk pastime in which both adults and children take part.

The history and culture of Malta, as well as the sights, monuments and nature of the country.

Local (and other) cuisine, food.

Taboo Topics

Although Maltese are open to discussing almost any topic, refrain from making harsh and overly frank remarks, especially on political topics.

Immigration is a sensitive topic in this society.

Avoid discussing religious issues.

Do not talk about your successes, achievements, wealth, especially in a boastful tone.

Personal Space

When talking, Maltese stand quite close to each other - closer than other Europeans or North Americans. They often touch each other, for example by patting each other on the shoulder or arm, hugging each other or kissing each other.

Body language plays a big role in communication. It is not just another way of expressing an idea, but also stressing some aspects, showing attitudes or feelings.

You should not copy the behaviour of the Maltese in conversation. Body language is, in general, a rather complex sphere, which is well understood only inside the culture.

During communication, it is important to maintain direct eye contact with your partner.

Communication Specifics

In the early stages of a business relationship, etiquette and protocol should be observed. This means using the formal titles and ranks of your partner when communicating with them. It is important to be particularly courteous and polite when talking to an older person.

This kind of respect is also shown towards new business partners or individuals who hold a high position in the company hierarchy. Certain formality would be expected.

Over time, a closer relationship is established between the partners and a sense of trust develops, which is very important for Maltese. The level of formality becomes lower, communication – warmer and more emotional.

The manner in which the Maltese communicate is viewed as very expressive. They can speak loudly and passionately, especially if they take the topic too much to heart and it is important for them to convey their position to their listeners.

In communication, Maltese are direct and open in their opinions. Hints, evasive phrases, quiet voice, whispering - it is rather not for them. However, they are great at turning a complex topic into a humorous one, telling a funny story or an anecdote.