Question

Explain the role of language in developing national sentiments in Poland.

Answer 1

Instructions:

This is a 3 marks question. There should be at least 3 points here. Mention how Russia had banned the Polish language and how it was used by the clergy, priests, and bishops as a form of protest.

Solution:

• When the Russians invaded Poland in the early 19th century, the Russians banned the Polish language and instated the Russian language.
• After a failed armed rebellion by the Polish, the Polish language started to be used by the Clergy in churches, as a weapon of national resistance.
• As a result, a large number of priests and bishops were persecuted by the Russians.
• Therefore, language transcended the realm of mere communication and became a symbol for national resistance.