I prefer learning bargaining to learning a new language. I enjoy the art/process of bargaining. I think it is cool how you can determine your own price, and how you can make the most out of your money. Learning a new language is interesting, but I believe it is more important to know the customs/culture. I find it cool that I can communicate with another Moroccan in English through bargaining. We were writing prices on paper and arguing back and forth.

Many important skills overlap for bargaining and learning a new language. The biggest skill that is needed is confidence. When learning a new language, you have to be confident in what you are saying. When I bargain, I want to be confident in the price I say and stick to my price. When learning a new language and bargaining, you need to be adaptable. In language, you must adapt to new tenses and sayings. It is challenging and takes time. This is the same with bargaining. You need to be flexible with prices and adapt to what the dealer says.

I have tried both. I had to memorize and repeat the same phrases over and over when trying to learn the language. I got better as I progressed. On the other hand, I was not able to make any bargaining sales. I was offered high prices, but I could not seal a deal. I was originally charged $180 dirrah for a Camel artifact and could not make a deal. I really wanted a soccer jersey, but I couldn’t make the deal. It is hard because I really wanted it, but I stayed firm to my price. I learned to balance price and want.