English Tutor in Jakarta: American, UK, Australian, Canadian?

Question:  "Hi Brian, I am thinking about getting an English tutor to improve my conversational English skills for my career development.  But I am confused whether I should learn from an American, UK, or Aussie instructor. What do you recommend?"  

Answer:  Of course I am somewhat biased being a native born American citizen; but being a "straight shooter" and a person of utmost professional ethics and standards, here's my honest and educated opinion.  AMERICAN !   If I felt that a UK or Australian English tutor would be better for your career (or personal) development not only would I tell you to go that route, but I'd be right on your heels to sign up as well!  The justification for my answer is below.

 

(the following is copyright © Brian K. O’Malie)

There are several primary “dialects” of the English language; American English, UK English and Australian English.  The clearest by far when it comes to annunciation and diction is American English. 

Learning UK English or Australian English may leave your listener or audience saying to themselves or whispering to another, “what the #@$% did (s)he just say?!” 
 

Whereas American English can easily be understood anywhere in the world.

As opposed to UK English, American English really lacks separate “dialects” or accents which are that existent that it detracts from the listener’s understanding or comprehension. Although there are some technically categorized “dialects” in American English by linguists or in the academic community; practically speaking there are no real and separate dialects in spoken American English across the United States or its territories. Additionally, American English lacks linguistic formal and informal forms of expression; not to be confused with speaking to someone “informally” or on an “informal basis.”   As opposed to other languages, the student of American English does not need to learn 2 separate and distinct forms of address or expression, words or phrases based on a social class system (i.e. formal or informal).    

Some minor regional differences in spoken English in America, or perhaps some minor colloquialisms do exist and may be heard in; the south eastern states, the Mississippi delta region, Louisiana “Cajun”, New York City boroughs (Bronx, Queens, Manhattan [Harlem], Brooklyn & Staten Island) or in New Jersey, as well as in the poorly educated or lower-class Caucasian, Negro or Hispanic communities in rural or urban areas. I am not trying to single anyone out here with this example or be racially or ethnically biased or prejudiced (which I am not); but am just stating objective facts here. Regardless of race or ethnic origin or color of skin, “street”, “barrio”, or “hood” English is not on par with and should not be compared to English spoken by a reasonably educated person. It is a function of social and cultural deficiencies as well as economic or even health deficiencies as would occur in any other country of the world.  

By and large, however, American English is the clearest of any other English spoken in the world. For example, listen to standard broadcast American English from any local TV news station in America or from CNN, MSNBC or other cable news programming; or from The Discovery Channel or History Channel broadcast, spoken or narrated in American English and you will find that standard American broadcast or media English to be THE clearest form of spoken English in the world.    

For a foreigner learning the English language, it is far more advantageous to learn from a native and educated American English tutor or instructor than learning from a UK or Australian English speaking tutor or instructor.  American English can be more readily understood throughout all parts of the English speaking world; whereas UK English or Australian English may not be as universally understood.  When it comes to learning English for professional, business, vocational or trade purposes; American English will give the foreign student the greater value. 

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In further support of my above position, consider the following:

Here is an excerpt from a website in India which provides a learning center for English communication skills. The funny and ironic thing is that until gaining independence in 1947, India was part of the British Empire (UK), and they are recommending the foreign student learning English to learn “neutral accent” AMERICAN English !! 

Accent Neutralisation / US / UK....... Duration 30 hrs ...............
Sound Like a Native English Speaker

Even though you know the vocabulary and the endless grammar rules, you still find it difficult to pronounce English words correctly this struggle with language can make communicating with native English speakers a frustrating experience for both you and them. You Supposedly have an Indian Accent, an Accent that is normally expected of most Indians. You may have a good knowledge of the English language but does not guarantee a good accent. But what does a good accent mean? It means an accent that is easy on all ears across the globe, an accent that is understood by all in the international community, no matter who the listener is an American, British, Australian or a Canadian or people from any other country.This Accent is called neutral accent.  Improving your English Accent is an easy and enjoyable way to learn and master the most challenging characteristics such as troublesome vowel sounds , difference in stressed and un-stressed syllables and words, which make you sound like a native speaker. This Module develops you to shave off certain excess from your current accent, and develop neutral accent. Gives you the understanding of the American way of speaking, culture and diversity.