This theme explores the links that unite Commonwealth countries and the diversity that makes each of them unique. 

It looks at their shared linguistic heritage, the complex legacy of the British Empire and the political changes that followed independence. 

You will also think about British institutional influences, postcolonial identities and the many cultures, languages and traditions found across the Commonwealth. 

Through different texts, images and situations, you will dicover how these countries can share a common history while building their own identities and futures.

Check you understand all the vocabulary before doing the activities.

Commonwealth of Nations ► an international association of countries, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire.

member state ► a country that officially belongs to an international organisation or association.

former colony ► a country or territory that was once controlled by another country but is now independent.

British Empire ► the group of territories and countries that were once ruled or controlled by Britain.

colonial rule ► the political control of a country or territory by a foreign colonial power.

decolonisation ► the process through which colonies became independent from colonial powers.

independence ► the state of being free from the political control of another country.

sovereignty ► the right of a country to govern itself and make its own decisions.

postcolonial society ► a society shaped by the political, cultural and social consequences of former colonial rule.

political legacy ► political ideas, institutions or systems inherited from the past.

British institutions ► political, legal or administrative systems originating in Britain and adopted elsewhere.

constitutional monarchy ► a political system in which a monarch is head of state but has powers limited by a constitution and laws.

parliamentary democracy ► a political system in which elected representatives govern through a parliament.

the Crown ► the institution of the monarchy and the authority represented by the monarch.

shared heritage ► traditions, values, institutions or cultural elements that different groups or countries have in common.

shared history ► historical experiences or events that connect different peoples or countries.

common language ► a language shared and used for communication by people from different backgrounds or countries.

Anglophone literature ► literature written in English, especially in countries or communities where English is widely used.

cultural diversity ► the presence of different cultures, traditions, languages and ways of life within a society or group.

national identity ► the sense of belonging to a particular nation and sharing its culture, history or values.

cultural identity ► the sense of belonging to a particular culture or cultural group.

Indigenous peoples ► the original inhabitants of a region who have their own cultures, traditions and historical connections to the land.

multicultural society ► a society in which people from different cultural backgrounds live together.

migration ► the movement of people from one place or country to another to live or work.

diaspora ► a community of people living outside their ancestral or original homeland.

economic ties ► economic relationships between countries based on trade, investment or financial cooperation.

international cooperation ► countries working together to achieve shared objectives or solve common problems.

to gain independence ► to become free from the political control of another country.

to maintain ties ► to continue having relationships or connections with another country, group or community.

to preserve cultural identity ► to protect and maintain the traditions, language, values and customs of a cultural group.

Do the activities to memorize your vocabulary better!