Dialects of English across the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Nations contains 54 countries and is home to more than 2.5 billion people. The majority of these countries used to be part of the British Empire, and the British monarch (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is the head of the Commonwealth.
Due to these historical and cultural connections to the UK, English is either a first or second language in almost all of the countries of the Commonwealth. |
However, there are many different dialects of English spoken throughout the Commonwealth, and some sound very different to the English used in England. English speakers sound very different in different countries!
Before we give examples, though, it is important to ask, what is a dialect? And how is it different to an accent?
Before we give examples, though, it is important to ask, what is a dialect? And how is it different to an accent?
What is a dialect?
An accent is a style of pronunciation which can be unique to a community, or an individual.
A dialect is a form of English where not just pronunciation is different, but also vocabulary and grammar.
A dialect is a form of English where not just pronunciation is different, but also vocabulary and grammar.
English Dialects of the Commonwealth
Australian English and New Zealand English are very similar to each other, and also have similarities to the English spoken in South Africa.
For example, in Australian English versus British English:
However, Canadian English is quite different to Australian or New Zealand English, and is influenced by both British English and American English. For example, Canadian English versus British English:
South African English also sometimes uses different vocabulary to British English. For example, in South African English compared to British English:
English spoken in the Caribbean is also quite unique, and is influenced by both British English and Creole languages. One of the main features of English dialects in the Caribbean is the use of "would" and "could", as opposed to British English which is more likely to use "will" and "can". For example, in Caribbean English compared to British English:
Caribbean English also sometimes borrows words from other languages whilst using British grammar, so you could hear sentences that sound quite unfamiliar to those who have studied British English! |
There are many different types of English spoken throughout the Commonwealth, but the collective term for the English used in Commonwealth countries is called Commonwealth English, but Commonwealth English is not an official language. Countries, and regions within countries, often have their own unique dialect of English.
The examples above were taken from just a few countries of the Commonwealth. If you are interested in studying Commonwealth dialects in more detail, feel free to check out the other British Hills Knowledge Base articles about countries from around the world.
The examples above were taken from just a few countries of the Commonwealth. If you are interested in studying Commonwealth dialects in more detail, feel free to check out the other British Hills Knowledge Base articles about countries from around the world.