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Dr Charles Daniel Saliba
B.Ed. (Hons.) Maltese, Dip. Arabic (Distinction), BA Arabic (Summa Cum Laude), MA Arabic Language and Linguistics, MA in Mediterranean Historical Studies, PhD (Sheffield University) UK, specialising in teaching Maltese as a foreign language (MFL).

Charles Daniel Saliba is a full-time academic serving in the grade of Senior Lecturer II at the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology, Gozo Campus, where he lectures in Maltese language courses and on the pedagogy of Maltese related to the primary and secondary sector. He is also a dissertation supervisor in the BA courses and MA by research course, with regards to dissertations related to the Maltese language.

Saliba has taught Maltese language, linguistics, literature, and MFL at secondary schools, post-secondary schools, and tertiary institutions for more than 24 years. He has taught MFL and medical Maltese at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (QMUL), Gozo Campus. Additionally, through the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), Saliba designed and facilitated the accreditation of three courses—Award in MFL Malta Qualification Framework (MQF) 1 (5 ECTS), Award in Medical Maltese MQF 1 (5 ECTS), and Award in Medical Maltese MQF 2 (5 ECTS)—for QMUL. In 2019, through the Accreditation Unit of the Ministry of Education, Saliba designed and facilitated the accreditation of two courses—Academic Award in MFL, MQF Levels 1 and 2 (6 ECTS)—to introduce MFL to the Sir M. A. Refalo Sixth Form for the first time.

In June 2018, the then Minister of Education and Employment, the Hon. Evarist Bartolo, appointed Saliba a member of the Working Group for the Teaching of MFL, and in 2020, the Hon. Owen Bonnici, the then Minister of Education and Employment, reappointed him. Saliba is also an independent external evaluator at the MFHEA, where he evaluates the national qualifications being accredited against the MQF. He is also a reviewer for two international linguistics journals and a practicum visitor at the Institute for Education.

Saliba has published/co-published more than 65 books, including the Maltese for Foreigners series (three syllabi and 22 textbooks with audio files), the first level of which was published in e-book format. A hard copy of this level was also translated into an Italian version titled Maltese per Stranieri and a German version titled Maltesisch für Ausländer. He also published another textbook series, Maltese as a Foreign Language for Juniors, specifically designed for children aged 6 to 12.

At the National Book Awards in 2007, Saliba won a prize for his book, Realtà, in the Prose for Adolescents category. For his continuous efforts to promote the Maltese language and culture, he received the Għarb Gozitan Cultural Award from the Għarb Local Council in 2024.

Saliba is a member of the L-Akkademja tal-Malti and the International Association of Paremiology. Finally, he has presented his research at several international conferences where he has been a keynote speaker on a number of occasions.

Saliba is married to Dr Vanessa Saliba (PhD), a senior lecturer specialising in inclusion. Together they have three children.



Research Interests
  • Teaching Maltese as a foreign language
  • Language teaching methodology
  • Various aspects of the Maltese language, especially its history
  • Proverbs
  • History of the Mediterranean
  • Comparative linguistics (Maltese and Arabic)


Publications on Teaching Maltese as a Foreign Language

  1. Saliba, C. D. (2025). Learning Maltese 4 / Nitgħallem il-Malti 4.  BDL Publishing.
  2. Saliba, C. D. (2025). Learning Maltese 3 / Nitgħallem il-Malti 3.  BDL Publishing.
  3. Saliba, C. D. (2025/2024). Learning Maltese 1 / Nitgħallem il-Malti 1. BDL Publishing.
  4. Saliba, C. D. (2025/2024). Learning Maltese 2 / Nitgħallem il-Malti 2.  BDL Publishing.
  5. Saliba, C. D. (2022). Speaking medical Maltese from zero. Self-published.
  6. Saliba, C. D. (2022). Maltese grammar essentials in context for healthcare professionals. Self-published.
  7. Saliba, C. D. (2021). My first 750 words in Maltese. Octavo App.
  8. Saliba, C. D. (2021). Maltese grammar essentials in context 1. Octavo App.
  9. Saliba, C. D. (2021). Speaking Maltese 1. Octavo App.
  10. Saliba, C. D. (2021). Meine ersten 750 Wörter auf Maltesisch.  Self-published.
  11. Saliba, C. D. (2021). Grundlagen der maltesischen Grammatik im Kontext 1. Self-published.
  12. Saliba, C. D. (2021). Maltesisch sprechen 1. Self-published.
  13. Saliba, C. D. (2018). Maltese per Stranieri: Programma del Corso, Livello A1, Principianti–Elementare.  Self-published.
  14. Saliba, C. D. (2018). Le mie prime 750 parole in maltese.  Self-published.
  15. Saliba, C. D. (2018). Grammatica Maltese essenziale e contestuale 1.  Self-published.
  16. Saliba, C. D. (2018). Parlo Maltese 1. Self-published.
  17. Saliba, C. D. (2017). Maltese grammar essentials in context 3.  Self-published.
  18. Saliba, C. D. (2021/2016). Maltese grammar essentials in context 2.  Self-published.
  19. Saliba, C. D. (2016). Speaking Maltese 3. Self-published.
  20. Saliba, C. D. (2016). Speaking medical Maltese 2.  Self-published.
  21. Saliba, C. D. (2021/2015). More words in Maltese.  BDL Publishing.
  22. Saliba, C. D. (2015). Further words & expressions in Maltese.  BDL Publishing.
  23. Saliba, C. D. (2015). Medical words & phrases in Maltese. Self-published.
  24. Saliba, C. D. (2015). Speaking medical Maltese 1.  Self-published.
  25. Saliba, C. D. (2017/2013). Maltese for foreigners syllabus, level A1, beginner to elementary. Self-published.
  26. Saliba, C. D. (2017/2013). Maltese for foreigners syllabus, level A2, elementary to pre-intermediate, Self-published.
  27. Saliba, C. D. (2017/2013). Maltese for foreigners syllabus, level B1, intermediate.  Self-published.
  28. Saliba, C. D. (2025/2022/2019/2016/2013).  My first 750 words in Maltese. Self-published.
  29. Saliba, C. D. (2024/2022/2020/2017/2013).  Maltese grammar essentials in context 1.  Self-published.
  30. Saliba, C. D. (2022/2019/2016/2013). Speaking Maltese 1.  Self-published.
  31. Saliba, C. D. (2024/2013). Speaking Maltese 2. Self-published.
  32. Saliba, C. D. (2013). Reality.  Self-published.
  33. Saliba, C. D. (2013). Rocco learns karate. Self-published.


Publications on Teaching Maltese as a Native Language

  1. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2025/2023/2020). Hemm Art fil-Folja – Noti.  BDL Publishing.
  2. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2025/2023/2020). Hemm Art fil-Folja – Taħriġ.  BDL Publishing.
  3. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2020). Hemm Art fil-Folja – Tweġibiet.  BDL Publishing.
  4. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2021/2020). Il-Malti Avvanzat 3.  BDL Publishing.
  5. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2020/2019). Il-Malti Avvanzat 1. BDL Publishing.
  6. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2021/2019). Il-Malti Avvanzat 2.  BDL Publishing.
  7. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2021/2019). Il-Malti Intermedju 1.  BDL Publishing.
  8. Saliba, C. D. (2016). Gwida għall-Malti Komunikattiv. Self-published.
  9. Saliba, C. D. (2023/2018//2013/2012). Malti aħjar bi sforzi żgħar!..Ktieb tat-Taħriġ.  BDL Publishing.
  10. Saliba, C. D. (2021/2017/2015/2013/2012). Suċċessinu 1.  BDL Publishing.
  11. Saliba, C. D. (2018/2016/2013/2012/2012). Suċċessinu 2.  BDL Publishing.
  12. Saliba, C. D. (2012). Idjomi għalina t-tfal.  BDL Publishing.
  13. Saliba, C. D. (2012). Qwiel għalina t-tfal. BDL Publishing.
  14. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2017/2015/2011/2010). Malti Għalina t-tfal 4. BDL Publishing.
  15. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2016/2014/2013/2010). Malti Għalina t-tfal 5. BDL Publishing.
  16. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2020/2017/2015/2013/2010). Malti Għalina t-tfal 6. BDL Publishing.
  17. Saliba, C. D. (2023/2019/2013/2010). Idjomi Maltin għal studenti għaqlin. BDL Publishing.
  18. Saliba, C. D. (2025/2020/2013/2010). Qwiel Maltin għal studenti ħabrikin. BDL Publishing.
  19. Saliba, C. D. (2024/2016/2015/2013/2010). 75 Lehma 75 Fehma. B DL Publishing.
  20. Saliba, C. D. (2010). Malti għall-Eżamijiet b’Pariri u Tweġibiet! Self-published.
  21. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2021/2015/2012/2009). Malti Għalina t-tfal 1. BDL Publishing.
  22. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2020/2015/2014/2009). Malti Għalina t-tfal 2. BDL Publishing.
  23. Saliba, C. D., & Muscat, A. (2018/2015/2012/2009). Malti Għalina t-tfal 3. BDL Publishing.
  24. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2009). Eċċellenti, BDL Publishing.
  25. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2016/2009/2007). Ktejjeb b’taqsira b’differenza u b’eżerċizzji varji fuq Meta jaqa’ ċ-Ċpar ta’ Trevor Żahra (Pubblikazzjoni Merlin). Self-published.
  26. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2016/2009/2007) Ktejjeb b’taqsira b’differenza u b’eżerċizzji varji fuq Ħolm tal-Milied? ta’ Trevor Żahra (Pubblikazzjoni Merlin). Self-published.
  27. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2009/2007) Ktejjeb b’taqsira b’differenza u b’eżerċizzji varji fuq L-Isqaq ta’ Ġuże Chetcuti (Pubblikazzjoni Merlin). Self-published.
  28. Saliba, C. D. (2006). Realtà. Wise Owl Publications.
  29. Saliba, C. D. (2006). Rocco jitgħallem il-karatè. Wise Owl Publications.
  30. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2025/2019/2016/2014/2010/2007/2006).  Aċċess. Merlin Library.
  31. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2011/2011/2008/2007/2006).  Qawsallinu. Self-published.
  32. Muscat, A., & Saliba, C. D. (2023/2014/2012/2010/2007/2006). Malti aħjar bi sforzi żgħar!  BDL Publishing.


Keynote Speaker/Speaker

  1. Saliba, C. D. (2025, June 19). Malta, its sociolinguistic scenario and the methodology behind the Maltese as a Foreign Language for Juniors series [Online presentation]. The Consortium on Language Variation in Input Environments around the World.
  2. Saliba, C. D. (2025, April 25). The Semitic element of the Maltese language [Keynote presentation]. Linguist Talks, École Normale Supérieure de Tunis, Tunis University, Tunisia.
  3. Saliba, C. D. (2024, October 13). Bilingual online resources to teach Maltese as a foreign language: My personal experience [Presentation]. 16th Annual Meeting of the Council for the Maltese Living Abroad, Palazzo Spinola St Julians, Malta.
  4. Saliba, C. D. (2024, November 7). The history of the Maltese language [Keynote conference presentation]. Polyglot Conference 2024, Valletta, Malta.
  5. Saliba, C. D. (2016, November 11). Maltese proverbs on women [Keynote paper presentation]. Interdisciplinary Colloquium on Proverbs, International Association of Paremiology, Tavira, Portugal.
  6. Saliba, C. D. (2013, October 12). Skyjacking – The 5 cases of Malta [Conference presentation]. Second Scientific Conference of Aviation Medicine, Malta.
  7. Saliba, C. D. (2012, October 19). Skyjacking – Its character, effects and decline [Conference presentation]. A Wonderful Future Beckons for Young Gozitan Historians, the University of Malta, Ministry for Gozo, Malta.
  8. Saliba, C. D. (2011, November 11). Maltese proverbs: A reflection of Mediterranean history and culture? [Keynote paper presentation]. Interdisciplinary Colloquium on Proverbs, International Association of Paremiology, Tavira, Portugal.


Academic Publications

  1. Saliba, C. D. (2023). Il-Malti, l-Għawdxi u x-Xewki. In M. Xerri (Ed.),  Gourgion (Vol. 65, pp. 52–55). Xewkija Parish.
  2. Soares, R., & Saliba, C. D. (2022).  Provérbios Europeus/European Proverbs/Proverbji Ewropej. AIP-IAP (Ed.) International Association of Paremiology.
  3. Camilleri Grima, A., Borg, J., Muscat, D., Saliba, C. D., Coleiro, M. D., Muscat, T., & Żammit, J. (2019). National policy for the teaching of Maltese as a foreign language in the framework of bilingualism and plurilingualism. Ministry for Education and Employment.
  4. Saliba, C. D. (2018). The teaching of Maltese as a foreign language in Malta and Gozo. In L. Briguglio, J. Calleja, M. N. Cauchi, & C. Camilleri Rolls (Eds.),  The Gozo Observer  (pp. 23–24). University of Malta.
  5. Saliba, C. D. (2017). Maltese proverbs on women. In R. Soares & O. Lauhakangas (Eds.),  Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary Colloquium on Proverbs  (pp. 68–104). International Association of Paremiology (AIP-IAP).
  6. Saliba, C. D. (2017). Teaching Maltese as a second language to adults. In D. Hyatt, P. Clough, & C. Nutbrown (Eds.),  Informing educational change: Research voices from Malta  (pp. 44–59). University of Sheffield.
  7. Saliba, C. D. (2013). Skyjacking–Its character, effects and decline.  Melita Historica, XVI(2), 155–166.
  8. Saliba, C. D. (2012). Maltese proverbs: A reflection of Mediterranean history and culture? In R. Soares & O. Lauhakangas (Eds.),  Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary Colloquium on Proverbs  (pp. 71–91). International Association of Paremiology.
  9. Saliba, C. D. (2010). Hijacking in the Mediterranean. The 5 cases of Malta. BDL Publishing.
  10. Saliba, C. D. (2010). Ħtif ta’ Ajruplani fil-Mediterran. Il-Ħames każi ta’ Malta. BDL Publishing.


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