Don’t play the comparison game

Instead of comparing and competing, try this instead.

In my university French class, there was a student who had spent time in Paris whereas the rest of us had only learnt French at school 20,000 kilometres from France.

She was keen to demonstrate her superior knowledge and ability.

Whenever she was my partner in pair work, I’d groan inwardly. Because I knew I wouldn’t understand much of what she was saying and feel stupid.

Her attitude also intrigued me.

Because I was in a similar position in German class.

German was the language we spoke at home, but in class I took care to adjust my speed and vocabulary.

I wanted to help my classmates who were working hard to find the right words in the right order in the right tense.

Happily, I must have struck the right chord as they wanted to practise speaking with me in class and outside class over coffee.

This experience confirmed for me that cooperating makes learning more interesting and rewarding.

I also saw it speeds up progress.

Most of us are learning another language to be able to communicate with others.

And good communication is all about cooperating in the give and take of everyday conversations.

So don’t compare and compete with others when learning a language.

Cooperate with them.

PS Learning on your own doesn’t mean learning alone.

Together we can set up your DIY language project and help you stick to it.

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