[General] Baby should learn American or British English?

[EngFan]

Hi All,

A friend of mine who has a 6 month-old daughter, he is starting to teach his baby to pronounce alphabets and some simple English words , but he would like to get some advice whether he should teach his baby a British English or an American English. I don't know how to answer her question, because both have different grammar and pronunciation, please advise. Thanks.

EngFan

 

[emsr2d2]

Which does your friend speak when he speaks English? If his pronunciation, spelling and grammar are based on AmE, then that's what he should help his child with. Even if the child goes to classes, he/she will learn much more if someone at home speaks in English as often as possible.

If the child goes to BrE classes, but hears AmE at home, there are two possible outcomes:
1 - The child will get rather confused
2 - The child will end up speaking both versions very well.

There is no way to tell what will happen. However, if your friend doesn't speak English at all, then it's entirely personal choice which one he wishes to educate his child in.