Hi KylieC,
<English has become an international language for such a long, long time, and it`s often localized when it`s spread to different countries. That`s why we have English varieties, such as Australian English, african English, and even Singlish (Singaporean English) and Hinglish (Hindu English). The latter two are fairly localized English varieties. They`re mostly based on British English and American English, but some expressions and usages have been changed. Those reformed expressions and usages might look weird to English native speakers, but they`re not considered `wrong` (well, some linguists think that`s `improper`. Arguments about this is ongoing in the linguistic world...) I`m not making any excuse for it, but I have to say that`s the reality--English is changing...^^>
You are right! So long as you understand what the other party is trying to tell you, it is fairly ok to speak localise english. You can`t possibily be speaking pure american or british english if you don`t stay in America or England.