Past tense latin america vs spain

[barefootjon]

I've been doing the Pimsleur Latin Spanish for a couple months now. I'd say about 80% of the past tense used has been Preterite Perfect. But today I watched a Youtube video where the lady said that Latin America uses simple preterite and typically only Spain uses Preterite Perfect. Is that true? Should I even bother learning Preterite Perfect?

Gracias

[Rusty]

Both are important and both are used, but it is true that Spain makes use of the perfect more often than the simple.
That shouldn't be too much of a surprise, since British English and American English have the same division of thought.

You'll be better served learning Spanish the way it is spoken where you intend to spend most of your time. The way Spanish is spoken varies from country to country.

[barefootjon]

Originally Posted by Rusty

You'll be better served learning Spanish the way it is spoken where you intend to spend most of your time. The way Spanish is spoken varies from country to country.

Yes, this is my thinking as well. Of course it helps to learn other ways in case I encounter it. But I would prefer to learn what is more common first. Looks like Pimsleur is failing in this area.

Thanks!

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

My advice is that if you have a program that teaches a certain usage, learn it as it is, and you'll be able to switch to other regional usages as your learning advances.

[barefootjon]

Originally Posted by AngelicaDeAlquezar

My advice is that if you have a program that teaches a certain usage, learn it as it is, and you'll be able to switch to other regional usages as your learning advances.

Yes, I agree. I've continued with the program but this is good to know. thanks