How to avoid TOXIC COMPARISON in language learning

CC subtitles available in multiple languages.

In this video, I talk about how comparison can either inspire or discourage you when learning a language — and how I approach it to make sure my motivation doesn’t suffer.

⏲️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 What to compare
2:53 Comparison in the classroom
5:36 Criticism

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[Thelinguist]

❓Does comparison motivate or discourage you? Share your experience in the comments!

[joaoatilio]

I remember that in the year I started thinking in english, I wrote something online, someone harshly said I used a word wrongly, touching on me not being a native speaker. After more time with english, I got to be confident that they were wrong about it, as I've seen the word being used with that meaning many times. Be careful with criticisms. They may be wrong. And if they are rude, ignore, if they are nice, you can take a look at that, because there's likely an actual intention of helping.

[akainikki]

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.” - Baryshnikov

[StephanieCarpentier-ly]

Bonjour, je suis française et je commence à apprendre l'anglais... j'ai écouté cette vidéo qui m'encourage à apprendre sans me comparer au niveau des autres... Merci de m'avoir ouvert les yeux. Bonne journée à tous et " La vie est Belle" j'avance à mon allure...

[Tehui]

It's best to compare yourself to where you were in the language 6 months ago.

[XPLearner]

Hello I am From Tajikistan 🇹🇯 and I am learning English around 2 years and Recently I achieved C1 and I think that these channel was helpful for improving my English and now I am teaching English to my surroundings but I didn't quit learning English Now My Dream is becoming C2 at English but I think that it will take a lot of time so I will be consistent and will see when I will become C2.

[chelcruz]

I don't compare my self anymore. I know everyone learning journey is unique. <3 Thanks for the inspiration!

[tiffanimilburn]

I’ve learned a lot about language learning from your channel. It’s inspiring. Even though lingq isn’t accessible with a screen reader, I’ve managed to take your suggestions and use it in a way that works for me to learn German.

[FRENCHFAIRE]

Somewhere between B1 and B2!!!! How wonderful.

[titansfan]

I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish but never really believed in myself. Always thought I could just learn a few things and maybe ‘get around’ in basic conversations. But about a month ago, I really made up my mind that I was going to master this and eventually become fluent. I don’t care how long it takes, I am determined, not because I have to or need to, but because I want to.
Adios!

[pierangelosaponaro]

The comparison is not a problem, it is the competition. We can compare and see our progress in language learning. We can perhaps indirectly compete to motivate ourselves to get better. In general, if competing leads to jealousy, then there can be problems. Language learning should leave people feeling better about themselves.

[frankbougrasse]

7:01 Hello Steve, I listened to Mark Carney in the same video you presented. As a French native, I can say that he speaks very good French, probably around a B2 or early C1 level. And certainly better than some so called native speakers. He made some mistakes with prepositions, but overall, he is great, and it’s a pleasure to hear a non-native speaking French as well as he does, just like you! 😀
I can also confirm that his accent is absolutely not an issue and is actually better than the other participants, whose accents are more pronounced. I listened carefully your video, but I should say I'm a bit jealous of Mark Carney because I'm not able to speak English like he speaks French...

[Meloman]

Inspirational message. Thanks, I needed to hear that

[Humble]

Bravo, I like your approach and your methodology for learning the languages!

[chicoingles]

Great video Steve and very relevant when you speak multiple languages, like myself. A model of how well you speak, write and can understand any given language (both listening and reading) at a moment of time in the past, and then in the present, is, in my opinion, the most reliable gauge of how much progress you have made in any given language.

[AnAMAteurtraveler]

I feel super lucky I enjoy learning the languages of Southeast Asia the most so natives are super nice about me making mistakes and other western learners are rare as well as easy to get along with most of the time.

[neilfazackerley]

Everyone is on their own journey with language learning. Nobody has the same background or the same learning conditions. I am just trying to keep on building my own vocabulary by reading things I am interested in, watching TV in the language and doing as much as I have time for to improve from current position.

[giovannirivetti]

Hello Steve, well comparison is a big feature of all of us as human being, someone less and someone more, but unconciously we all do it. I'm a person who suffer a lot others judgements but at the same time I'm able to go straight on along my track if the subject really interest me, like English in this case, how many bad comments or jokes I've heard in my life since I started learning English, it's useless...you just want to be cool etc..etc, I only know the answer! 😅
But, I feel good doing that, I got good positive feedback form natives online so I won't quit and i have understood I only must compare myself with my old version.
Cheers!

[confidencemagnet]

I think school has conditioned us to compare ourselves to others. I don't have a time table on my language learning anymore. I focus on just more exposure to the language. Reading, listening, etc. Eventually, just like a baby, everything will make more and sense. I am in no rush...just like a baby trying to walk and talk.

[elsvanhage]

Take away: the only one to compare yourself to is yourself! Thank you Steve🍓