How does M. Hamel explain the significance of the French language to the villagers?

M. Hamel explains the significance of the French language to the villagers by emphasizing its role as a symbol of their identity and culture. He passionately articulates that the language is not merely a means of communication but also a vessel of their history, traditions, and values. By linking language to patriotism, he underscores how losing French would mean losing a part of themselves and their connection to their homeland. M. Hamel’s heartfelt explanation serves to awaken the villagers’ awareness of the language’s intrinsic value and the cultural richness it represents, reinforcing the emotional weight of their impending loss.