She turned away from the microphone - and made everyone listen
Annabelle Xerri. Photo: DOI
I first met ANNABELLE XERRI when we both had toddler daughters the same age and attended the same baby movement class. Something immediately drew me to her positive energy. It took me a couple of sessions to realise that Annabelle was deaf - she followed everything I said and responded fluently. Our lives kept intersecting, both as mothers and in our professional roles: she is very active in the deaf community, and I am a journalist. When I was scrolling through social media and saw what she had done, I was wowed. I knew I had to share this, and she kindly accepted. And when I asked her how she would describe her roles, this is what she said: “At the moment I'm the chairperson of the Maltese Sign Language Council, mum of two beautiful daughters, I'm deaf and I like saying that my life is colourful, vibrant, ordinary and anything but silent.” This is what she did:
When Annabelle Xerri was presented with a microphone to speak at an event, she turned away from it and, instead, delivered her speech in Maltese Sign Language.
The microphone that was intended for her was then handed to another person, who interpreted her speech into spoken Maltese.
Her move took many by surprise. Her message may have been a silent one – but its impact resonated loudly and clearly: She placed Maltese Sign Language, and its users, at the centre of attention. The event itself marked a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of Maltese Sign Language becoming an official national language of Malta in March 2016.
“I chose to deliver my speech in Maltese Sign Language because, in that moment, I was representing the Deaf community,” says Annabelle, who is the chair of the Maltese Sign Language Council and also the president of the Deaf People Association Malta.
“It felt right to use the language at the heart of that community and of the event itself. There were many Deaf people present, and I wanted them to access my message directly, without needing interpretation,” she says.
Of course. This makes so, so much sense.
She explains that sign language is not just a communication tool - it is both a language and a cultural identity. The most effective way to promote and normalise it - is simply to use it.
“As a deaf person, I also want to be a role model, especially for deaf children and their families who may worry that using sign language will limit speech. In reality, people can be bilingual, and even those who choose sign language alone can lead full, successful lives. The more we see sign language used in public spaces, the more it becomes recognised as a natural and equal part of our society.”
“When that law passed, it was more than just a legislative act. It was the moment our identity was officially honoured. We were finally being seen.”
Annabelle clearly remembers the day Maltese Sign Language became an official national language of Malta. “I remember going to Parliament on 16th March 2016 with other deaf advocates, sign language interpreters, and dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly on our side. When that law passed, it was more than just a legislative act. It was the moment our identity was officially honoured. We were finally being seen.”
Her personal journey began 13 years ago. “I didn't grow up using sign language. But the moment I met Malta’s Deaf community, everything changed. They welcomed me with open arms. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging. I found a home, a shared language, and an identity I carry with pride today. My life didn't just change when I started using LSM - it accelerated.
“When I was appointed as Chairperson of the Maltese Sign Language Council 10 years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill... One of our greatest achievements is that authorities, lawmakers, and society have learned to trust us to be the experts of our own language... Looking ahead, one of our deepest hopes is to see more Deaf children grow up using LSM from an early age, so that they too can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and fully embrace their identity within the Deaf community.”
Find out more
If you like what you read, follow Woman Unclouded on Facebook and Instagram or scroll down to join our monthly newsletter.
Share your views
Is there a subject you feel needs to be ‘unclouded’, spoken about, or explained? Is there something you feel passionately about? If so, share your views… or share your story - to inspire and help other women. This can then be turned into a story or published on our Community Voice page in your own words.
Woman Unclouded believes that by sharing - stories, experiences and expertise - women can inspire one another - to take the leap, or to simply make sense of things.
All you have to do is drop us an email at hello@womanunclouded.com