I am not shouting, I am Maltese.

To the unaccustomed ear, walking along the streets of Valletta or sitting at a Maltese cafe can be to be in the midst of an argument. Voices are raised, arms flail in the air, and sentences bounce about with fervor and passion. But it is not a picture of conflict or disagreement. This is simply Maltese people talking.

“I am not yelling, I am Maltese,” is the phrase that most accurately describes the particular, forceful, and expressive mode of communication that is a part of the Maltese. For locals, it’s not a say—not so much as a cultural notice.

A Culture of Expression

Malta, small as it is, is known to be a melting pot of cultures. Its location, which placed it at the center of civilization lanes, meant that Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and then the British left their mark. But one thing that has been uniquely Maltese throughout is the way people communicate.

Maltese discussion is loud and argumentative. It’s based on centuries of culture of neighborhood, familiarity, and shared heritage. Conversation is not merely the communication of fact—it’s performance, a conveyance of feeling and personality.

Whether discussing politics, family, or supper, the volume rises. To an outsider, it may appear to be hostile, even adversarial. To a Maltese, however, it’s simply the manner in which one indicates interest, concern, or fervor.

The Language Itself Speaks

Maltese, a Semitic language with Romance and English overtones but which, unlike most Semitic languages, uses the Latin alphabet, is harsh, rich, and melodic. Certain of the sounds—above all, the emphatic consonants, the rolling Rs, and the glottal stops—seem to find themselves by nature suited to strong presence sound.

When the Maltese talk, especially when in an informal setting, it tends to flow quickly, with words clumped together and punctuated by English phrases and Italian cadences. The effect is a clangor of sounds that, while perhaps disconcerting to foreigners, is music to the native ear.

It is not uncommon to hear a sentence like: “U ajma, mela! Don’t tell me you didn’t see him, hux?” (“Oh come on! Don’t tell me you didn’t see him, right?”). The pace fast, the tone hot, and yes—the volume high.

Emotional Transparency

Maltese are straightforward people who wear their hearts on their sleeves. This openness is transferred in the way they communicate. There is little room for being passive-aggressive or indirect; whatever one thinks will surely find expression in boisterous and clear-cut terms.

This is not rudeness; it’s honesty. It is passion. It’s a cultural trait rooted in the Mediterranean lifestyle, where warmth and openness are the norms. Emotions are not to be hidden, and if you’re happy, angry, excited, or annoyed—you show it. Vocally.

It’s also the reason there are so many tight Maltese families. The unrestricted open expression of feelings—though sometimes hot-headed—annoys them, and they become close through this. A blazing row over the dinner table may break out, but in a few minutes, everybody is laughing and having dessert together as if nothing had happened.

A Gesture-Driven People

Maltese communication is not so much what one says as how one says it. Hands wave, fingers point, and shoulders shrug with practiced facility. Gestures come before every word, adding weight to meaning, heightening flair, or emphasizing a point. For the majority of Maltese, talking without hands appears unnatural.

This culture of body language also translates to a different tone. The loud voice and the exaggerated gestures can easily be misinterpreted as aggression. But again, it’s not. It’s just Maltese.

Family and Community Influence

Maltese upbringing is one of being around noise. The children are from an early age surrounded by environments where grown-ups talk loudly, there is calling out between neighbors across balconies, and every home reunion is like a loud festival.

Silence is unheard of in Maltese homes. The TV is on in the background, parents are talking over in the kitchen, and somebody’s always on the telephone. Even in the smallest of houses, there is a lot of noise, not due to disorder but due to life. Maltese families are intimate, and intimacy breeds noise.

This atmosphere just feeds into the notion that being vocal and expressive is not just okay—it’s the norm.

Hospitality and Warmth

While they may be boisterous, Maltese people are easily the friendliest and most welcoming in all of Europe. Their guests are generally taken aback by how easily locals open the door or offer help, even when there are language barriers.

This is one of the reasons that the level of speech should never be misunderstood. If you ever find yourself being “shouted at” by a taxi driver or shop assistant, chances are that they are just trying to make sure you’re comfortable or get something. There’s no anger involved as a rule—just an underlying need to be fully present in every conversation.

Loud Isn’t Always Bad

A raised voice is, all over the world, equated with aggression. Context, however, is everything. A loud voice in Malta could mean they are excited about seeing you, are concerned for your health, or are simply enthusiastically discussing a football game.

It is important to understand this difference in order to appreciate Maltese culture. When you once master the cultural code, you find how friendly, humorous, and lively the people are, indeed.

The Evolving Soundscape

Modernization and globalization are slowly changing some aspects of Maltese communication. With the advent of digital communication, social media, and greater diversity, there are pockets of the Maltese society—especially newer generations—who have softened their volume.

However, the old-fashioned, expressive style persists, especially in the home and in the country. It’s a enduring part of Maltese heritage, despite the island becoming increasingly modern.

Embrace the Volume

The next time you are in Malta and someone is shouting at you, don’t panic. Don’t assume that they are angry or angry. Listen for the giggles on either side of the words, the singing of the accent, and the emphasis on the delivery.

Because in Malta, screaming is not threatening—it’s an embrace. It’s not a brawl—it’s an invitation to get involved. And it’s not screaming—it’s being Maltese.

When a Maltese person tells you, “I am not screaming, I am Maltese,” smile and comply. You’ve just been given a glimpse into one of the most honest, warm, and expressive societies of the Mediterranean.