For me, I prefer learning a language over bargaining because language learning gives me a way to connect more deeply with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Although I can connect through universal languages, such as food, music, and art, knowing another language gives me the opportunity to ask questions and converse about the topic, to ask why something is important to someone or how it makes them feel. I have experienced this greatly with the Spanish language, as it has allowed me to help and connect with people both in the United States and abroad. Even though I only know a little bit of Moroccan Arabic, Darija, I am finding that using what I know creates an automatic connection with my host family and others that I meet. 

In both learning a language and bargaining, persistence is a key skill. When learning a language, many students get stuck in the intermediate phase and have a hard time reaching an advanced level. Persistence, however, keeps them moving towards their language goals instead of staying stuck or giving up their goal. With bargaining, one may counter the price a shop owner gives them, but the shop owner says the price is too low, so they raise the price of your offer. In order to get the best price possible, one has to keep persisting by making counter offers. 

Another skill that can help one be successful at these activities is having an open mind and being flexible. With language learning, there is not necessarily one way for students to reach their goals, and they may learn things they were not planning to learn along the way. The same goes for bargaining. When someone is actually bargaining, they may encounter situations they were not expecting, so it is important for them to be able to adapt to these differences.  

Today I had the opportunity to put what I learned about bargaining into practice. My goal was to find natural soap, so I walked around the Medina with a keen eye for anything soap related. When I saw something that interested me, I approached the shop owner, greeted her in Darija, looked around the shop, and then asked about the soap. Instead of asking for the price right away, I had a conversation with her about the different scents and benefits of the soap, making sure it was something I really wanted. When I asked about the price, she told me it was 30 dirhams, so I decided to keep walking to see if other places were offering the same price. Another place I visited offered 30, so I went back to the original place, asking if I could get the soap bar for 15 dirhams. She told me the last price was 25, so I kept increasing the price from 15 to 17 to 20 to 23. She wanted to give me the soap for 23 but had to call her boss to check. The boss said no to 23, but I knew I wanted the soap anyway, so I purchased it for 25. Overall during this experience, I learned the importance of connecting with people through conversation while bargaining and being persistent in trying to get a better price.