English Speaking Countries and Commonwealth

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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


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