2 comments so far.Maltese for Foreigners books now available on online platform
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Gozitan author Charles Daniel Saliba is well known for his publications related to the Maltese language – however, this time, together with BDL Publishing, he has embarked on a digitisation project.
Recently, Level 1 of Saliba’s Maltese/English book series Maltese for Foreigners became available on the online platform Octavo.
This book-streaming service is designed to make reading and learning languages fun.
The digital library stored in the cloud, features smart recommendations personalised for the reader, access to hundreds of titles and loads of customisable features.
Level A1 (Beginners-Elementary) includes three books: My First 750 Words in Maltese, Maltese Grammar Essentials in Context 1 and Speaking Maltese 1.
The author explained that “these books are perfect for beginners and are suitable for use by individuals, by groups or in a school setting.”
Dr Saliba stated, “the Covid-19 pandemic has compelled educators to face new realities, including teaching online.”
“Being an educator myself, teaching Maltese as a Foreign Language (MFL), daily, at MQF Level 1 and 2 at Sir M. A. Refalo Sixth form, I could experience myself the need for these online books (oBooks) to facilitate communication between the teacher and student,” he said.
“I worked on this innovative project so educators and learners could have the necessary online tools to teach and learn MFL,” said Dr Saliba. “Technology gives you a lot of advantages, among others, the incorporation of audio with each text, auto-correction for most exercises, photos and clipart in full colour.”
He explained that “it’s also simple for the teacher to share screen content. Moreover, it will be a blessing for Maltese emigrants living abroad, mainly in Australia, the USA and Canada, because such oBooks save them postage money.”
Ms Audrey Cassar, Managing Director at BDL, stated that, “it’s been a pleasure working with Charles who has been extremely proactive to adapt to the needs brought about by the pandemic and with our invaluable team he reworked all his books to make them accessible in digital format.”
She added that, “Charles immediately understood the advantages of going digital and supported Octavo – a home grown platform – that supports the Maltese language.”
To access this online digital library, register for free on: https://octavo.app/
Well done Daniel. You are proving yourself as a Master as an international local language teacher. This in a way that people can follow your thoughts by simple methods for learning.
Keep it up. You also are making Gozo proud by your contributions.
Thank you very much for your positive comments. I appreciate them a lot.
Best wishes,
Charles Daniel