Why does M. Hamel consider language to be the key to prison for the villagers?

M. Hamel considers language to be “the key to prison” for the villagers because it serves as a means of access to their cultural identity, history, and freedom. He believes that losing their language would confine them to a cultural imprisonment, stripping away their connection to their heritage and limiting their ability to express themselves fully. By emphasizing the importance of the French language, M. Hamel highlights how language is not merely a tool for communication but a vital component of personal and collective identity. This metaphor underscores the deep emotional weight of the impending loss, as it signifies a loss of autonomy and the richness of their cultural expression.