English speaking countries and Commonwealth – an introduction Simonetta Gatto Istituto Comprensivo di Casella (GE)
The Commonwealth of Nations
What is it? The Commonwealth of Nations, usually known as the Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 54 independent states, most of which are ex British colonies (except for the United Kingdom itself, Mozambique and Rwanda).
Its objectives The Commonwealth is an international organisation of countries which have diverse social, political, and economic backgrounds. They cooperate to promote democracy, human rights, individual liberty and world peace.
The Head of the Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth II The first head of the Commonwealth was her father George IV. The title was devised in 1949.
The headquarters
The headquarters is Malboughrough House and it is in Westminster, London.
The language of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Games Every four years the Commonwealth of Nations organize a multisport international event: the Commonwealth Games.
Last and next Games
Some sports are not played at the Olympic games • • • • •
Squash Lawn Bowls Rugby seven Netball Cricket
Seventeen sports • • • • • • • • •
Aquatics Athletics Badminton Boxing Cycling Gymnastics Hockey Judo Lawn Bowls
• • • • • • • •
Netball Rugby Sevens Shooting Squash Table Tennis Triathlon Weightlifting Wrestling
The English speaking countries do not concide with the Commonwealth
How many “Englishes”? English is one language, but there are several varieties: the two most important are:
• BE = British English • AE = American English
How do British English and American English differ? • Vocabulary • Pronunciation • Grammar • Spelling
Vocabulary
Italian
British English
American English
appartamento ascensore biscotto caramella
flat lift biscuit sweet
apartment elevator cookie candy
patatine fritte patatine (sacchetto) camion autostrada
chips crisps lorry motorway
French fries chips truck highway
benzina metropolitana film
petrol underground film
gasoline subway movie
Grammar BE
AE
Have you got any brothers?
Do you have any brothers?
Spelling BE
AE
centre colour favourite program
center color favorite programme