NCERT Solutions for Class 5th English Chapter 1 Words for ‘father’ in our languages — Let us Speak

Book page 7 Updated on2026-09-19

Q1.
‘Papa’ is a commonly used word in English to address one’s ‘father’. Say aloud the word you use for ‘father’ in your language. Make a list of such words in your notebook. Share them with the class.
Answer

How to do it:

  1. Say aloud the word you use at home for your father.
  2. Write it in your notebook, first in your own script and then in English letters.
  3. Ask five classmates what they say at home, and add their words to your list.
  4. Read your list to the class, saying each word clearly.

Sample answer — a list from one classroom:

LanguageWord for ‘father’LanguageWord for ‘father’
Hindipitaji, papa, babujiTamilappa
BengalibabaTelugunanna
MarathibabaKannadaappa
GujaratibapujiMalayalamachan
Punjabibapu, pita jiOdiabapa
AssamesedeutaUrduabbu, walid
KashmirimoolSantaliapa
What to notice: Many of these words begin with the sounds p, b or a — papa, bapu, baba, appa, abbu. These are the easiest sounds for a small baby to make, so in language after language they became the word for ‘father’. Different languages, but the same first sounds.
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