Globalisation, English,

and The Last Lesson

The Importance of Language in a Globalised World

Globalisation is a powerful force in the modern world, and it has a signi cant impact on
languages, cultures, and societies. With globalisation, the dominance of English as a global
language has become evident, a ecting local languages and cultural identities. The chapter
"The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet presents the profound e ects of language loss,
illustrating how the imposition of a foreign language can deeply a ect a community's sense of
identity and belonging. In this context, it is important to explore how globalisation, particularly
the spread of English, parallels the themes in "The Last Lesson" and highlights the importance
of preserving languages and cultural heritage.

The Story of "The Last Lesson”

In "The Last Lesson," the story is set in the time of the Franco-Prussian War when the region of
Alsace-Lorraine was annexed by Germany. The French-speaking villagers are forced to switch from
their native French to German, as the new rulers dictate that German will be the language of
education and governance. The narrator, Franz, a young schoolboy, attends the last French lesson in
the classroom. It is only during this last lesson that Franz realises the importance of his native
language and the devastating effect of its loss. His teacher, M. Hamel, gives an emotional and
impassioned speech about the value of their language, reminding them that language is a cornerstone
of cultural identity and heritage. The story highlights how language and education are interlinked and
how language can serve as a symbol of resistance and pride, especially when faced with external
pressures.

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 Language and Identity in the Context of Globalisation

The loss of language in The Last Lesson speaks to a broader issue that is happening in today's world
due to globalisation. Globalisation has led to the spread of a common language, primarily English,
which has become the lingua franca in business, diplomacy, technology, and education. As a result,
many native languages are slowly being marginalised, and in some cases, they are at risk of
extinction. English, often seen as the language of opportunity, dominates in many sectors, and this
shift has resulted in the diminished use of regional languages in various parts of the world.

Similar to the French community in The Last Lesson, people today are grappling with the challenge
of maintaining their native languages in a world where English is widely spoken. In many countries,
young people prioritise learning English for better job prospects, access to global networks, and
higher education. However, this increasing reliance on English can come at the cost of cultural and
linguistic diversity. As English becomes more widespread, it often leads to the erosion of local
languages, just as the French language was replaced by German in The Last Lesson. The imposition
of a foreign language in the story is symbolic of how globalisation can sometimes overshadow local
languages and cultural practices.

The Importance of Language in Preserving Cultural Identity

In The Last Lesson, M. Hamel’s nal lesson is not only about grammar and vocabulary; it is a
poignant reminder of how language is tied to cultural identity. Language is a re ection of a people’s
history, traditions, and worldview. When a language is lost, a part of a community’s soul is lost as
well. In the case of Alsace-Lorraine, the French language represented a sense of belonging to their
national identity. When the villagers were forced to abandon their mother tongue in favour of
German, they experienced a deep sense of loss, which was vividly portrayed in the story.

In the same way, globalisation and the rise of English have prompted many nations to examine how
their languages and cultures are being affected. While English undoubtedly offers signi cant
advantages—such as opening doors to global markets, scienti c research, and international
communication—there is also a pressing need to preserve local languages. For instance, many
indigenous languages around the world are at risk of disappearing because of the dominance of
English and other widely spoken languages. This loss of linguistic diversity represents a larger loss of
cultural heritage, similar to the loss experienced by the people of Alsace-Lorraine in the story.

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 The Role of English in Globalisation

While the spread of English has led to cultural homogenisation, it has also provided a platform for
cultural exchange and connectivity across borders. In the context of globalisation, English has
become a tool for communication that enables people from different countries and backgrounds to
collaborate, share knowledge, and build relationships. It is an essential language for international
trade, diplomacy, and scienti c innovation. The importance of English in the globalised world cannot
be understated, as it opens doors for people to participate in global dialogues and economic
opportunities.

However, the widespread use of English should not come at the cost of local languages. The Last
Lesson reminds us of the need to maintain a balance between embracing global languages and
preserving one's native tongue. M. Hamel's passionate plea to his students serves as a cautionary tale
of how easily a language can be lost, and with it, a part of a community’s identity. The challenge,
then, is how to incorporate the bene ts of English while ensuring that local languages are cherished
and preserved.

Conclusion: Balancing Globalisation and Language

Preservation

In conclusion, the story of The Last Lesson offers valuable insights into the relationship between
language, culture, and identity in the context of globalisation. The story poignantly illustrates how the
imposition of a foreign language can lead to the erosion of cultural identity and the loss of a
community's heritage. In today’s globalised world, English has become the dominant global language,
offering both opportunities and challenges. While the spread of English has undoubtedly connected
the world in ways that were previously unimaginable, it is essential to strike a balance between
embracing English and safeguarding lIocal languages and cultures. Just as the villagers in The Last
Lesson fought to preserve their French language, it is important for us to recognise the value of
linguistic diversity and ensure that it is not lost in the wake of globalisation.

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