Quote Originally Posted by DDT
But aren't you just making an assumption that the word "truck" is an "American" word in the first place? or "trunk" for that matter?

What proof is there that Aussie english is even 'drifting"? Even in the early 1960's most people used the word "truck" in Australia.
I submit to you that all these words are of English origin.
No, the word "truck" doesn't prove anything about the drift - all I know that dictionaries show lorry as B.E. and truck is A.E. (used in the same meaning of a lorry, not a handcart). "Boot" (A.E.) is more common than "trunk" (B.E.). Everyone knows what diapers (A.E.) are but Australians just say nappies (B.E.).

I can see the drift in kids, they use more American words than adults. It's more likely American English will take over in Australia, especially the vocabulary.

English is not my first language, so I don't have the full picture of trends and differences. Australian English is closer to B.E. because English-speaking are descendents from England, many of them are just second generation Australians and they make the largest proportion of immigrants followed by New Zealanders.

TV is dominated by Hollywood, of course except for ABC channel, which shows British movies and series non-stop.

Back to the original question: In my opinion, as a non-native speaker, which version of English to learn is not important, it's not like choice between Mandarin or Cantonese. Variants of English are not separate languages. Even if you choose a version, what you read and who you talk to will influence your English.