English in the Commonwealth of Nations

English serves as the medium of inter-Commonwealth relations and the language forms part of the common culture of the Commonwealth.

Southern Hemisphere native varieties of English began to develop during the 18th century, with the colonisation of Australasia and South Africa.

It is the product of several waves of immigration and settlement, from Britain, Ireland, France, the United States, and around the world, over a period of more than two centuries.

Modern Canadian English has taken significant vocabulary and spelling from the shared political and social institutions of Commonwealth countries.

Prior to Togo's admission at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said that he expected Commonwealth membership to provide opportunities for Togolese citizens to learn English, and remarked that the country sought closer ties with the Anglophone world.

South Asian English phonology is highly variable; stress, rhythm and intonation are generally different from those of native varieties.