Solutions for Class 12 English Core book Flamingo Chapter 1, "The Last Lesson," contains
precise solutions to help students in completing assignments and preparing for exams. These
solutions ensure that students receive all the necessary information regarding the concepts
covered in the chapter, to perform well in their exams.
Including both long- and short-type answer questions, NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English
Core Book Flamingo’s Chapter 1 are easily accessible through the Physics Wallah website. By
solving with these solutions, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the chapter,
which improves their ability to tackle questions effectively in the annual exam.
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter
1 The Last Lesson
Page Number: 9
Understanding The Text:
1. The people in this story suddenly realise how precious their language is to them. What
shows you this? Why does this happen?
Answer:
In the story, Alsace and Lorraine, which were French regions, came under control of Prussia.
They got a rule from Berlin that said only German should be taught in schools there. This made
everyone realize how important their own language was. The school became very quiet, like a
church on a peaceful Sunday. Students worked quietly, and the only noise was the sound of
pens writing. Even villagers came and quietly sat with the students in class. Everyone seemed
sad.
M. Hamel, the teacher whom the students didn't usually like, made them feel sorry. Franz
wished he had listened more to him. M. Hamel was also sad about leaving, but he explained
things patiently that day like never before. It was like he wanted to share everything he knew
before leaving. His words captured the mood well when he said, "We all have a lot of things to
be ashamed of.'
2. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What could
this mean?
Answer:
Franz's question about pigeons singing in German shows that while humans can control some
things, like rules and laws, they can't control everything, especially nature. It means that people
have limits to their power and can't have total control over everything in the world. Just like the
, Prussians can make rules about schools and learning, they can't take away people's pride in
their country and language.
Talking About The Text:
1. “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had
the key to their prison.” Can you think of examples in history where a conquered people had
their language taken away from them or had a language imposed on them?
Answer:
“When people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language, it is as if they had the
key to their prison.” This quote speaks volumes about how language is not just a means of
communication but also a symbol of identity and resistance. Throughout history, there have
been numerous instances where conquered people had their language suppressed or replaced,
illustrating the power dynamics at play:
Imposition of English in India: During British colonization, English was imposed as the
dominant language, suppressing native languages and cultures.
Imposition of Chinese in Tibet: The Chinese government has enforced Mandarin Chinese in
Tibet, attempting to diminish Tibetan language and culture.
Arabization in North Africa: The spread of Islam in North Africa led to the imposition of Arabic
language and culture, often at the expense of indigenous languages.
Francization in Britain: France attempted to impose French language and culture in Britain,
particularly during periods of conflict and occupation.
Turkish imposed on Kurds: The Turkish government has imposed Turkish language and
culture on Kurds, suppressing Kurdish language and identity.
2. What happens to a linguistic minority in a state? How do you think they can keep their
language alive? For example:
Punjabis in Bangalore
Tamilians in Mumbai
Kannadigas in Delhi
Gujaratis in Kolkata
Answer:
In any region, linguistic minorities often face discrimination similar to religious, social, or ethnic
minorities. However, the treatment and acceptance from the majority community can vary