ENGLISH

PROJECT

Done by
U.Akash
&
Krithik Shobhan
Class 12E
OBJECTIVE:-
TO LEARN ABOUT
MOTHER LANGUAGE
 Action Plan
The entire project has been fulfilled following
different steps and consultations with teachers,
experts and peers and with reference to print
and visual media. The project aims at achieving a
clear understanding of the present scenario of
diminishing the importance of mother tongue in
our life. For the project, Iread and critically
evaluated our lesson "The Last Lesson" and took
out the theme of "Mother" Language". I made a
questionnaire using google form, and sent it to
my friends and family through WhatsApp and
Instagram, and collected their opinions about
the topic. Along with that, I have acquired a
good proficiency in general English speaking and
methods of interacting with people. For the
project, I carried out several researches
especially the Education Policy of India that
suggests the importance of mother tongue
learning and communication to know about the
steps we have to take to protect our own
regional language. Then I analysed the data
collected from the questionaire and came up to
a conclusion.
 The Emotional Bond with Language

Franz’s Realization: At first, Franz does not

appreciate his lessons in French. But upon
learning that this will be his final lesson, he feels
a deep regret for neglecting his mother tongue.
He understands that French is more than a
subject; it’s part of his identity.
Collective Loss: The whole village feels the
weight of this change, as it marks the loss of
their shared language and culture. They gather
in the classroom to show their reverence for the
French language, which they see as a piece of
their heritage.
Insight: Our mother tongue is not just a means
of communication but an emotional bond with
our roots.
 The Significance of Language in
Our Lives
Language as Identity: Language is a
foundation of personal and cultural identity.
It connects us to our roots, history, and
community, shaping how we view the world
and express our thoughts and emotions.
Mother Tongue and Belonging: Our mother
tongue—the first language we learn—
becomes a vital part of who we are. It gives
us a sense of belonging, linking us to our
family, friends, and culture in a way no other
language can.
Preserving Culture Through Language: When
we use our mother tongue, we carry forward
the values, traditions, and knowledge of our
ancestors. Language preservation is key to
maintaining cultural diversity and heritage in
a globalized world.
Insight: Language is more than a means of
communication—it’s a bridge to identity,
culture, and shared memory.
To suffice human' social need, more effective
communication the language was created. The
extremely complex or versatile code, ie. language, is
used to express our thoughts and experiences to
other people. This makes language a natural
phenomenon that is learnt by a human at an early
age for the desire to express themselves to others.
The mother language is an essential aspect in one's
upbringing as it shapes the way they perceive the
world and the way one expresses themselves to
others, Babies tend to imitate what they see or hear.
Infants are fast learners as they acquire their mother
language by imitating their parents lt is easier for
children to learn languages in their growing years
than in comparison to adults learning a new
language. Having a strong grip on one's mother
language also helps in creating a strong foundation
for leaming additional languages. Children are
capable of learning languages other than their native
language while they are young by transferring the
different structure of a language to other languages.
If a child learns the grammar of their mother
language well, then they will be able to guess the
meaning of the words in different languages easily.
The native language starts shaping a
persons thoughts and emotions soon
after they are born in their
subconscious because a person first
hears it in their womb. The personal
and cultural identity of an individual
is developed because of their mother
language. By understanding oneself,
their surroundings and their history,
personal identity can be built.
It is sad to see that mother language
is losing its importance in comparison
to some popularly used languages like
English. Since in people are more
encouraged to learn it because of the
existing competition. However, the
mother language remains an
inseparable part of one's existence as
it is said to be one's true vehicle of wit.
To preserve the cultural fabric, people
must always strive to preserve their
mother language at any cost.
 Language as Power: Control and
Resistance

Political Domination: The Prussian rulers

impose German to diminish the French
identity of Alsace-Lorraine. By controlling
language, they aim to control the
people's minds and culture.
Resistance through Language: M. Hamel,
the teacher, advises his students to hold
onto their language and never forget it.
His dedication in this final lesson is a
form of resistance, showing how retaining
one’s mother tongue can be an act of
defiance.
Significance: Language is not only about
words but is a powerful symbol of
resistance and cultural pride.
THE LAST LESSON
The story "The Last Lesson" converses the theme
of mother language. Here the French language of
the people of Alsace and Lorraine was forcefully
taken away by the conquerors, the Germans and
enforced their language, German on them. So the
lesson discusses the importance and value of
mother language to the citizens of a country
The lesson raises many questions about one's
language, culture and individual freedoms. We
can hear silent protests and attempts of
repressions through out the story against the
hijacking of their mother language and imposing
a foreign language to them. The Prussians in the
story have declared through the order from
Berlin that their whole purpose was not only to
rule the territory but also to reign over the mind
of the people by imposing their language on
them. The story enforces the fact that we value
something more when we lose it. That is what we
see here with the people of Alsace and Lorraine.
They assembled in the last class of M. Hamel to
pay tribute to their language which is no more
theirs.
 Present scenario in our lifes:
The current situation reflects the themes in "The
Last Lesson." Our mother tongues are
increasingly being forgotten, starting even in
primary education. This raises concerns about
their future, especially in higher education. While
the human brain can learn multiple languages,
our educational systems often overlook the
importance of native languages.
The language imposed on us through education,
technology, and globalization is overpowering,
even in our homes. I fear that if this continues,
our mother tongues will be marginalized. We
must protect them, as they are vital to our culture
and identity.
To safeguard our languages, we need to promote
their use in everyday life and within schools.
Encouraging bilingual education and creating
resources in our native languages are essential
steps. By valuing our linguistic heritage, we can
ensure that our mother tongues remain alive for
future generations.
ALPHONSE DAUDET

1840-97
In "The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet, the theme of
mother tongue is central to the emotional and political
message of the story. The narrative takes place in a
small village in Alsace-Lorraine, during the Franco-
Prussian War, after France lost the region to Prussia.
The Prussian authorities have decreed that from now
on, only German will be taught in schools, effectively
erasing French as the language of instruction.

Connection to Mother Tongue:

1. Identity and Culture:

The French language, or *mother tongue* of the people
in Alsace-Lorraine, is more than just a means of
communication—it represents their cultural identity,
history, and connection to their homeland. Losing the
right to learn or speak in their mother tongue is symbolic
of losing their French identity and heritage.

2. Emotional Attachment:
The protagonist, little Franz, initially takes his lessons in
French for granted, often neglecting his studies.
However, when he learns that this is his last lesson in
French, he becomes deeply regretful. His sudden
realization of the importance of his *mother tongue*
evokes a strong emotional response, not only in him but
in the entire community. The language they had taken for
granted becomes a precious symbol of their identity.
3. Political Power and Control:
The imposition of the German language is an act of
domination. By replacing French with German, the
Prussian rulers aim to assert control over the people
and their minds. This highlights how language can be a
tool of both oppression and resistance. Retaining
one's *mother tongue* becomes a form of resistance
against foreign rule and a way to preserve national
pride.
4. Teacher’s Role:
M. Hamel, the French teacher, embodies a deep
respect and reverence for the French language. His
sorrow during this final lesson emphasizes the
personal and collective loss of the *mother tongue*.
He conveys to the students that they must never
forget their language, for it is a vital part of who they
are. His dedication in this last lesson reinforces the
idea that the *mother tongue* is something to be
cherished and protected.

In conclusion, "The Last Lesson" emphasizes the

intrinsic connection between language, identity, and
freedom. It shows how the mother tongue is tied to
personal and collective dignity, and how losing it can
feel like losing a part of oneself. The story illustrates
the deep emotional and cultural significance of one’s
native language in shaping their world.
MAP OF FRANCE
(1870)
QUESTIONNAIRE
AIM:
To identify the overarching emotions
and relationship between people and
their mother tongue

Introduction to the Questionnaire on Mother

Tongue:

Language is more than words; it is a core part of our

identity, a bridge to our culture, and a way to connect
with our heritage. This questionnaire explores our
personal relationships with our mother tongue—the
language we first learned, which often carries deep
emotional and cultural significance. Your responses
will help us understand the importance of the mother
tongue in shaping individual and collective identity,
much like the powerful story told in "The Last Lesson"
by Alphonse Daudet. Thank you for sharing your
experiences and insights.
QUESTIONNAIRE:-
The Role of Education in Language Preservation

Education serves as a powerful tool for the preservation and

revitalization of mother tongues. By incorporating native
languages into school curricula, educational institutions not only
affirm the cultural significance of these languages but also
empower students to embrace their heritage. When children
learn in their mother tongue, they are more likely to develop a
deeper understanding of their culture, traditions, and values.
In "The Last Lesson," the classroom becomes a poignant symbol
of loss. The final lesson in French represents not only the end of an
educational experience but also the erasure of cultural identity.
The character of M. Hamel embodies the role of a dedicated
teacher who values the French language and strives to impart its
beauty and significance to his students. His passion reflects the
critical role educators play in fostering appreciation for the
mother tongue.
Research shows that bilingual education—where students learn
in both their mother tongue and a second language—can
enhance cognitive flexibility and academic performance. This
approach encourages students to draw connections between
languages, enriching their overall linguistic competence.
Furthermore, when students see their language reflected in
educational materials, they gain confidence in their identity and
capabilities.
The Role of Education in Language Preservation
To promote the mother tongue, schools can implement various
strategies:
Curricular Integration: Schools can design curricula that include
literature, history, and social studies in the mother tongue,
thereby providing students with a comprehensive
understanding of their cultural context.
Community Engagement: Involving families and community
members in the educational process helps reinforce the value of
the mother tongue. This could include storytelling sessions,
cultural festivals, or language workshops that engage both
students and their families.
Teacher Training: Educators should be trained in bilingual
teaching methods and culturally responsive pedagogy to
effectively support students in their linguistic journeys.
Professional development programs can equip teachers with
the necessary skills to teach in a way that is both engaging and
culturally relevant.
Ultimately, the preservation of mother tongues requires a
concerted effort within the educational system. As seen in "The
Last Lesson," the loss of language in an educational setting can
have devastating effects, not just on individual students like
Franz but on entire communities. Therefore, prioritizing mother
tongue education is crucial for safeguarding cultural identity
and fostering resilience in the face of external pressures.
Challenges to Mother Tongue Preservation:

Despite the critical importance of mother

tongues, many face significant challenges in
today’s globalized world. The dominance of
widely spoken languages, particularly English,
has led to a gradual decline in the use of
numerous minority languages. This
phenomenon poses a direct threat to cultural
diversity and the preservation of unique
identities.
In "The Last Lesson," the German occupation
symbolizes the external forces that can
suppress a language and its associated culture.
The imposition of a foreign language can create
an environment where individuals feel
pressured to abandon their mother tongue,
leading to feelings of shame and inferiority. This
theme resonates with many communities
worldwide where indigenous languages are
marginalized in favor of dominant languages.
Several factors contribute to the challenges faced by mother
tongues:
Globalization: The interconnectedness of the world through technology,
trade, and travel often elevates the status of a few major languages while
diminishing the importance of local languages. This trend can lead to
younger generations prioritizing global languages over their mother
tongues, as they seek social mobility and broader opportunities.
Urbanization: As people migrate to urban areas for work, they often find
themselves in multilingual environments where the dominant language
prevails. In these settings, the mother tongue may be neglected, leading
to a gradual decline in its use, particularly among children who may not
hear it spoken outside the home.
Lack of Resources: Many mother tongues lack adequate educational
resources, such as textbooks, trained teachers, and media in the native
language. This scarcity makes it challenging for communities to provide
effective education in their language, further diminishing its use.
Societal Attitudes: In some societies, there may be a stigma attached
to speaking a mother tongue, particularly if it is perceived as a sign of
lower social status or lack of education. This negative perception can
discourage individuals from using their native language, even in informal
settings.
Intergenerational Transmission: The transmission of mother tongues
often relies on families passing the language to their children. However,
when parents face societal pressures to prioritize a dominant language,
they may choose to speak that language at home, leading to a gradual
loss of the mother tongue.
 Application and Future Scope
From all this data, we can conclude that
people have different opinions when
asked about their mother language. Most
of them love their mother language, some
of them doesn't. Some of them fear that
their mother language is not being
respected to the extent should be, and
itis important to conserve mother
language. Some steps can be taken to
preserve our mother language; teaching
and learning in mother language, using
digital and social media outlets in mother
language and insisting on speaking our
mother language.
This data can be utilized to know about
the opinion of people on mother language
in a country, and take certain steps to
preserve it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

GOOGLE
YOUTUBE
NCERT
FLAMINGO BOOK
CLASS 12
GOOGLE FORMS
REFERENCE
PROJECTS