Which English should I learn first, British or American?

Question

HI, I am Asian. I am learning English.

My teacher told me that I should choose either British or American English.

Which English should I choose?
If I learn American English first, would it be easier to learn British English later? Or, should I learn British English first?

This question may sound strange, but technically, it seems to be impossible to learn two different English at the same time, in terms of pronunciation, intonation, accent, idioms, slang, etc.

Which English should I learn first? My goal is to be fairly familiar with both of them so that I can understand CNN and BBC without any difficulties. Is it possible for a non-native speaker of English?

Answer 1

Well, this question seems to indicate that you have a good grasp of the English language already! :-)
> I agree with your statement that it would be extremely challenging to learn both the Queen's English and American English at the same time, but I do not believe impossible. After all, the are just 'different flavors' of the same language. Unless you just prefer to finally sound (accent, intonation, etc.) either British or American as an end result of your studies.
> The primary differences between what I call American and English would be idiomatic expressions and slang, with secondary emphasis on pronunciation. Since American can loosely be called a dialect of English, I suggest British English first. Later you can add all of the American colloquialisms, etc. as you continue to expand your knowledge.

Answer 2

I would say American English first since the world seems to speak more to the American standard and slang. Granted, British English is the proper way speak it, but you will miss out on the idiom and "flavor" of American English.

Answer 3

in today's world it's best to learn the American version of the English language, it has become the international language in the world. plus you'll have to understand British humor to understand their English very weird sometimes

Answer 4

OMG cant believe you can even be asking this question!!! DEFINITELY British English!!!!!!!
Americans do not speak English, they speak American and it's an awlful bastardisation of the language.

Answer 5

Definetly British english. there is no such thing as american english and if there was it's really bad! the real english are the british.

Answer 6

Don`t you know .Check any dictionary.Let it be American or British. A comes before B! So start with A...(American!)

Answer 7

You write it well. If you can write it this well you should be able to understand a newcast on either channel???

Answer 8

lime-ish or yank-ish - now that's a question.

how about assie-ish -- that's kinda a cross between the two