WHICH KIND OF ENGLISH FOR OUR FUTURE POLY GLOTS

When learning a foreign language, the question may arise of which vari ety to choose. The problem is particularly acute for languages with di stinct transatlantic versions, such as Portuguese, Spanish, and Englis h. Most learners still favor the traditional European norms. But, for English in particular, one can hardly avoid acquainting students with American variations, all the more so since these are insidiously influ encing British speakers. We may hope that, in the long run, convergenc e and tolerance will help bridge the gap.