Communication, Language, and Workplace Culture
Module Description
This module introduces learners to basic communication skills for life and work in Malta. It covers common Maltese greetings and expressions, basic workplace communication, and key features of the Maltese professional environment, such as hierarchy and authority in the workplace, relationship-building with colleagues, decision-making norms, conflict avoidance, and work-life balance expectations. Learners are introduced to workplace expectations such as punctuality, respectful communication, teamwork, and professional behaviour. The module also explores common social and workplace interactions in Malta and encourages learners to communicate confidently and appropriately in both social and professional settings.
Entry Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements:
(a) Status: Foreigners residing in or planning to reside in Malta, with a valid or pending residence permit, or in the process of applying for a Single Permit or other relevant permit under Maltese and EU law.
(b) Language: Functional proficiency in English since all instruction is delivered in English. No formal English language qualification is required, but applicants are expected to follow and participate in English-medium instruction.
(c) Qualifications: No prior formal qualifications are required. The award is open to adults from all educational backgrounds.
(d) Digital Competences: Basic ability to use a smartphone or computer for communication purposes (e.g., email, messaging, accessing online resources) is desirable but not mandatory. Learners requiring additional digital support will be accommodated.
No prior knowledge of Maltese language, law or culture is assumed or required.
Target Audience
- This award targets foreign individuals who would like to undergo a cultural integration short course.
Career Paths
- This award does not lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation. It is designed to support the social, civic and professional integration of foreigners residing in or relocating to Malta, and is directly relevant to occupations and roles in which cultural competence, workplace integration and civic awareness are valued. These include, but are not limited to: administrative roles in public and private sector entities employing international staff; community liaison and integration support roles; roles within NGOs, social services and community organisations working with migrant populations; hospitality, tourism and customer-facing roles requiring intercultural communication skills. The award is complementary to, but does not replace, any specific National Occupational Standard (NOS) currently listed on the Malta Qualifications Database (MQD). No specific NOS directly maps to the cultural integration domain at this level; however, the award aligns with the spirit of the European Key Competences framework, particularly in the areas of civic competence, cultural awareness, and personal, social and learning-to-learn competence.
Assessment
Module 4 is assessed through practical communication and workplace -based activities. Assessment methods may include short quizzes, matching activities using common Maltese words, phrases and scenario situations, as well as guided role-play exercises based on everyday social and professional interactions in Malta, such as greeting a colleague or asking for directions. Learners may also complete a short practical communication task, such as writing a simple professional email to respond appropriately to a workplace scenario (requesting a day off, confirming a meeting), using guided templates and support materials. Assessment focuses on participation, completion of tasks and basic understanding of workplace communication and social interaction in Malta. Assessed on appropriate tone, format and use of polite language.
Learning Outcomes
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- Use basic Maltese greetings and polite expressions in simple social and workplace situations.
- Identify appropriate communication and behaviour in common workplace situations in Malta.
- Introduce themselves and communicate appropriately in guided workplace and social activities
- Write a short, polite workplace email using a provided template appropriate to a Maltese professional context.
- Follow tutor guidance to identify appropriate communication, social, and professional behaviour in Maltese public life.
- Participate appropriately in guided social and workplace activities related to basic professional communication and behaviour norms.
- Use the provided learning materials to complete simple structured tasks related to workplace and social interactions in Malta.
Competences
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Familiarise oneself with common Maltese greetings, polite expressions and basic workplace language used in everyday communication.
- Comprehend basic facts about when Maltese and English are commonly used in Malta.
- Discuss basic workplace expectations in Malta, including punctuality, respectful communication, and professional behaviour.
- Comprehend common communication styles and workplace interactions in Maltese professional environments.
- Describe basic workplace norms related to teamwork, hierarchy, introductions and relationships with colleagues, and work-life balance.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
Module-Specific Learner Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Recognise simple differences between workplace communication practices in Malta and in their home country.
- Use basic professional and social communication skills during guided activities and role-play exercises.
- Follow basic workplace communication and etiquette expectations in Maltese professional environments.
- List three basic rules for appropriate email communication in a Maltese workplace, using the module reference sheet.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Use the VLE to access module materials and complete simple tasks.
- Use basic digital communication tools such as email and online forms appropriately.
- Write and format a short professional email using a word processor or email client, following the module email template.
- Use a search engine to locate one Maltese employer’s publicly available workplace policy or professional conduct guide.