I think he will have a harder time not having not studied algebra (yet?). Maybe it would help to explain why in regular maths + and * have similar properties.

I think he will have a harder time not having not studied algebra (yet?). Maybe it would help to explain why in regular maths + and * have similar properties. For example they both return the same result regardless of order of parameters. They are both conform to ((a <op> b) <op> c) = (a <op> (b <op> c)) Where <op> can be + or *. Now we are getting a bit abstract but keeping it kind of concrete, without using scary terms like 'associativity'. And once he is used to abstractions he may find Haskell easier. I was lucky to study Maths at Uni, so to me Haskell makes a lot of sense. Although the foldr/foldl/applictive/monad stuff is a mind bender I have to admit, but well worth persisting.