How many accents must I learn to be truly fluent in English?

No one seems to be that into my question.. well, for example, cockney accent is not English!
Edit: to me, at least.

There’s “accent” and “dialect”.

I’m from the North East region of the United States and our general accent is different from people in the US South, or Mid West, or West. But it’s basically the same English. Sure some words words and phrases are more or less common, but those are usually slang words or colloquialisms. The actual language is the same.

I might say the general difference between US English and Brittish English and Canadian English and Australian English is similarly minor — but many would argue they are completely different dialects. Different enough to slow down or hinder communication.

And, of course, as in the US, each of those countries (and more) have their own regional accents too.

The question I would ask myself is, “Where will I be speaking English the most?” and learn that version based on where you will be or what is most common in that area. Over time, and perhaps through travel, you can slowly pick up region/country-specific word use and phrases.

The good news is, I don’t think the differences in English are so great from any one version to another so as to make communication impossible.

You don’t have to learn to speak any accents, but it would be helpful if you can understand several. Movies and t.v. programs will help you some with that.

Okay, now I understand!!
No one thinks that different accents in English is such a major issue! Good~~

@dumitus Exactly. Just concentrate on learning to speak clearly and with correct grammar to the best of your ability.

Vocabulary, on the other hand…

George Bernard Shaw made the observation that “The United States and Great Britain are two nations divided by a common language.”

We not only spell “the same words” in different ways (colour / color; labour / labor; aluminium / aluminum – that last also includes different pronunciation), but we often use entirely different vocabularies to refer to the same things. For example, on a car we have boot / trunk; bonnet / hood; windscreen / windshield, and the list goes on.

My first time in London, I couldn’t understand the cabdriver easily, nor could he understand me. He spoke with a Cockney accent and I with whatever you call American Midwest. We did get to our hotel and both laughed about it, but that’s how different dialects can be. Just learn a basic English. If you’re good at languages, you’ll pick up the local dialect at least to understand it.

You don’t need to learn to speak in any other accent, but you should try to learn to understand a few. Cockney, Scottish, Geordie (Newcastle), Welsh and Irish would probably be the most useful.

Yes, learning one is good enough, either British English (“Oxford”) or American English (“East Coast/West Coast”). From my experience, (intense) exposure to at least four accents is needed to become able to quickly learn all of them, e.g. British, American, Scottish and Indian. Then it only takes 2–3 days to understand Texans, Australians or Irish people. I think it has to do with the brain establishing sound patterns.