English-speaking countries share a common legacy, whether it be political, cultural or linguistic. Being born in New Delhi or Dublin makes you part of a larger family: the anglophone sphere. Yet, this diversity faces multiple influences. How has the British legacy been addressed in former colonies and territories?
ILegacy and political identity
1 British monarchy
Most of the English-speaking countries have been influenced by Britain. Although there are different views on the British monarchy, especially within regions impacted by colonialism, Elizabeth II’s death is of international significance. The coronation of her son, Charles III, gathered millions of viewers. It reflects the modern-day role of the monarchy and reinforces British soft power and strong identity.
For a long time, the British monarchy struggled against the diversity of voices. We may think of Charles and Diana’s sons with their wives: one is in, and one is out of the monarchy. Megan (Harry’s wife) is the symbol of diversity while Kate epitomises tradition.
2 British influence and political identities
English-speaking regimes are a constitutional mimicry of the British parliamentary system: two houses, one parliament, two major parties… However, there are different political systems like federalism in the USA, South Africa and Australia. So, from British monarchy, new political identities have appeared: United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand…
Even though Habeas Corpus (1679) has had highs and lows in India, it is a direct heritage from the British legal system. In America, the English Bill of Rights (1689) had influence on the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.
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Habeas corpus in the UK is the legal protection against unlawful detention or imprisonment, requiring court justification. The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental rights which include freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
IIPlurality within unity
1 A common history – unity and legacy
As a direct result of the British Empire, British influence can be observed in the language and culture of a geographically wide assortment of countries that today belong to the Commonwealth. The colonial legacy, for example the British Rule in India and Pakistan (1858-1947), has altered somehow the course of history with the redrawing of national boundaries.
One of the obvious legacies is English. It is the common language in the Commonwealth plus in many other countries such as the USA and Ireland. It is the world lingua franca: a global means of inter-community communication, but also the common language in multilingual country such as South Africa.
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In Kenya, for instance, the official language of the civil service is English.
2 Sharing and adapting cultures
Arts such as literature or paintings are part of the British colonial and cultural heritage that many members states of the Commonwealth share. For example, in the 19th century Britons embellished the interiors of their houses with imported Indian prints and paintings. Most of the time, they viewed largely Indian culture as a curiosity.
Sport is also part of this legacy: consider US baseball which is an adaptation of British cricket. Cricket championships (ICC) expand during the 20th century with the addition of New Zealand in 1930 and Ireland in 2018 amongst others. Rugby is also part of the British legacy.