The National Maltese Poet

This lesson was contributed by:

Anthony Farrugia

This lesson is for:

Lesson Duration:

45 mins.

What should you expect from this lesson?

We will research information about Dun Karm Psaila and the Maltese National Anthem. Why should we treasure the memory of this personality? What can we do to commemorate him better?

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How to carry out this lesson at home:

a)  INTRODUCTION:    Who was Dun Karm Psaila?

– Dun Karm Psaila was born in Ħaż Żebbuġ, a rural village in Malta on the 18th October 1871. His mother and father were both from Ħaż Żebbuġ and came from a family of farmers. Whilst his mother was a housewife, his father was a sailor, so Dun Karm could not spend a lot of time with him.

– Dun Karm’s first school was Ħaż Żebbuġ Primary State School. He was a young, healthy boy and this was the best time of his life. Immediately after, he went to the Bishop’s Seminary, from where, at the age of 23, he became a priest. Besides being a priest, Dun Karm was also a very good and respected teacher.

– At first, Dun Karm used to write his poems in Italian, like many other Maltese poets at the time. But later he started writing many poems in Maltese. Amongst these we find “L-Innu ta’ Filgħodu (Reġa’ sebaħ)” (Morning Anthem) u “L-Innu ta’ Filgħaxija (Riesaq il-lejl Mulejja)” (Evening Anthem).

– But above all he composed the Maltese National Anthem “l-Innu Malti”, a short poem in the form of a prayer. He also wrote a large number of beautiful and patriotic poems about our country. All this earned him the title of the Maltese National Poet.

b) THE MALTESE ANTHEM
Lyrics: Dun Karm Psaila  ~~~    Music: Robert Samut

Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-omm li tatna isimha,
Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem int ħarist;
Ftakar li lilha bl-oħla dawl libbist.

Agħti kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,
Rodd il-ħniena lis-Sid, saħħa ’l-ħaddiem;
Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

c) How should we behave as Maltese Citizens, or as guests of this country, when hearing the National Anthem?

a) We should learn the words of the National Anthem.
b) Stand up smartly whenever the anthem is being played.
c) Stop speaking, joking or playing and pay attention.
d) Show all our respect towards this national symbol.

d)   NOW THINK ABOUT AND ANSWER:

1. Why do you think Dun Karm Psaila deserved to be remembered by means of a monument?
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2. Mention the effect Dun Karm Psaila had on the people who lived during his time and those who came after him.
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3. Every year, on the 18th October, we celebrate Dun Karm’s Day.  A ceremony and a speech are given near his monument in St Ann’s Street in Floriana. Many school children take part. Give one reason why this celebration should still be held.
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4, Can you think of other activities we can hold, or participate in, to better commemorate our National Poet?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

e) Now for more detailed information you can read the handout attached:  Worksheet S.4.1 ‘Maltese Personalities ‘

f) More Research:

If you wish to discover more about this topic you can go online and find more information about Dun Karm Psaila, the Maltese National Anthem and also listen to the anthem being performed on youtube.

All the resources you need to carry out this lesson at home:

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