Until you can speak with competence...

One might imagine that the skilled bilingual are the most helpful when learning a new language. In reality, they're nearly useless....

Until you know a language, the bilingual will underestimate you because it's easier.

They'll talk too slowly if you can't follow, frequently ask if you "understand this," and offer too much help when you just want to learn.

But the thing is, you kind of have to let them let you play the fool. You can't fight city hall, and it's hard to kick against the pricks.* There's no sense trying to prove anything to anybody.

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Pricks, in the case of Saint Paul's usage, are something physical that shouldn't be kicked against. Pricks, in modern usage, are dickheads and sons-of-bitches. ↑ Return to "kick" ...