***** NOT A TEACHER *****
Hello, Sondra:
May I add my two bits to the discussion?
I agree that a student should choose one variety and try to become an "expert" in that variety.
I am 75 years old, and there is still a lot about American English that I do not understand. I learn something
every day when I read the questions and answers here at usingenglish.com.
*****
Here in the United States, there is a somewhat similar discussion going on regarding the Chinese language.
Should Chinese-language classes teach Americans the traditional ways to write Chinese characters, or should they use the
simplified characters that were introduced in the 1950's? Furthermore, should American students be taught Mexican
Spanish or Colombian Spanish or Argentine Spanish or ...?
*****
As you can see, language is a very sensitive issue. I believe that it has often led to wars. On a less serious note, a few
years ago, I posted my opinion on another grammar helpline that students should learn variety X of English. My post
was deleted because that helpline believed that variety Y should be taught to everyone!
*****
On a more humorous note, some years back I laughed out loud when I read a letter written to a British magazine
in which an Australian gentleman demanded that the magazine change from British spelling to American spelling. The
magazine commented on his letter with three words: "What a nerve!" (P.S. That magazine still uses British spelling.)
:-D
James