The English language is of Germanic origin. There are five main types of English which differ in pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and grammar. They are: British English, American English, Australian English, Indian English and African English. Here are some vocabulary differences between British and American English: Flat x Apartment, lift x elevator, post x mail, cinema x the movies, shop x store, postman x mailman.
The countries where the majority of population speaks English as their mother tongue are called The English - Speaking Countries. They are: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, The United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Besides these countries there are large areas where English is spoken as a second language (e.g. India, Pakistan, The Republic of South Africa and other African countries). Generally speaking, English is spoken in the USA, Ireland and in the Commonwealth countries.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of Britain and 47 her former colonies (together more than one milliard people). It developed in the 1st half of this century when Britain gave self-government to her dominions. Founding members were Britain, Canada, Newfoundland, Australia and New Zealand. Later the Commonwealth included many African, Asian, South American and Caribbean nations. The Queen of England is the formal head in 17 member states - dominions (e.g. in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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