The Cognitive Landscape of Seventeenth Century Malta: Communicating Information in a Cosmopolitan Society

Abstract

The cognitive landscape, the proposed framework for this chapter, is built on theories of information and meaning. In essence, the cognitive landscape includes the written word in state and ecclesiastical documents, and the spoken word at all levels of society. It is the language used to communicate information, whether from top to bottom, bottom to top, or laterally, in a diversified cultural-linguistic and religious society. What is presented here, in the context of seventeenth-century Malta, is the word as officially pronounced by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller on land and sea; the language of the Inquisition court officials and witnesses’ testimonials; of the clergy in their liturgical ceremonies and pastoral duties; of professionals when drafting contracts; of skilled/unskilled workers; and, importantly, of the common people and the slaves.