Different Cultures using Different Types of Spanish
On this website I read about you guys talking about different types of Spanish, for example: "Oh, I can tell you are from Mexico from the way you write." (I know that would be a very broad example, because Mexico is so large 
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My sister and I are learning Spanish online, so is there any change that we could be learning the wrong "type" of Spanish? Or the wrong version? Is that a clear enough question?
3 Answers
If you learn a language on line, it is usually peninsular (Spain) or a sort of generic Latin American. I am from Spain. When I landed in California I had to adapt to the Mexican accent and learn new slang. The formal language is just the same except for the use of "Vosotros" which is used to say "you-all" to friends and family. Mexicans and other Latin Americans use "ustedes" for friends, family, enemies, whatever.
As you can tell, I also did OK in English, in fact I have a Bachelor's degree in English and have taught it in high school.
If you love languages, just learn the standard proper Spanish, any "accent" will do. You will be understood and you will understand others. When you don't understand,--ASK!!!
The is no "WRONG" type of Spanish.
There are a few differences between Spanish spoken in some countries. For example in Mexico they do not use vosotros but instead use ustedes where there is more than one person. In Spain they do use vosotros. In Argentina where many people are in fact from Italian immigrants they use ' vos' (voseo) for the tu form. Generally apart from certain areas of Spain c and z are pronounced as s rather than ' th'.
As with most global languages there are many idioms and slang words hat vary from country to country. However, with the internet and TV and films ( movies) most people know the expressions used in other countries eg I know Americans use movie(many Brits do too)
I have previously posted a link to a song by two Colombians How difficult is it to speak Spanish (it is sung in Spanish) There is a version with English subtitles. It sets out some of the differences.
I have been to Mexico and made myself understood though most of the material and teachers I have had have been from Spain. The grammar and language must be 95 % the same. Try and listen to different accents as it is a good way of learning.
Sign up for Veinte Mundos a free electronic magazine which has articles from lots of different Spanish speaking counties
If your course uses a lot of slang try and find out where it is from Given where you live why not ask a neighbour who speaks Spanish what accent you are listening too?
The important things are 1 To learn to pronounce well 2 Improve your vocabulary 3 learn to listen - perhaps follow a Mexican soap opera 4 find someone to talk to
My favourite podcasts are mainly from Spain but it is clear from comments they are also used by people from the USA.
Once you start using the language more you will soon pick up words you need
