AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it
In this video, I share why I'm optimistic about the future of language learning and how we can use tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM to create our own learning materials.
Jul 03, 2025•11 min
Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann
I speak 20 languages. I've been learning languages for over 50 years and I've tried all kinds of approaches. I talk about my experiences, my approach to language learning, what I enjoy about learning languages and all manner of other topics related to language.
If you love languages, or think you would if you hadn't been discouraged by past experiences, this is the podcast for you. Anyone can learn a language. You just need the right attitude and the right approach!
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Episodes
Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)
In this video, I talk about the role of questions in language learning—when they’re helpful, and when they can actually get in the way of enjoyable, low-stress learning.
Jun 26, 2025•7 min
Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s
In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages.
Jun 19, 2025•6 min
Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update
In this video, I talk about my experience learning Persian as well as the challenges and successes I’ve had along the way.
Jun 12, 2025•13 min
How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning
In this video, I share my impressions of Google's NotebookLM and discuss how I'm planning to use it for language learning.
Jun 05, 2025•8 min
Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you)
In this video, I talk about why I’m skeptical of language tests and their ability to accurately assess someone’s language level.
May 29, 2025•7 min
Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?
Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? by Steve Kaufmann
May 22, 2025•6 min
Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this
In this video, I talk about the challenge of understanding more than you can say, and share strategies for turning passive vocabulary into active vocabulary.
May 15, 2025•10 min
My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language
In this video, I talk about key ideas from Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth and share my take on how motivation really works in language learning.
May 08, 2025•12 min
STOP chasing perfection and START making progress
In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.
May 01, 2025•11 min
Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent
In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.
Apr 24, 2025•8 min
Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)
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.
Apr 17, 2025•11 min
Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how @BijuuMike is learning Japanese
In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.
Apr 10, 2025•29 min
How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning
In this video I talk about why we need both novelty and repetition in our language learning routine, and how to strike a balance between the two.
Apr 03, 2025•10 min
Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)
Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?
Mar 27, 2025•11 min
Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?
Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?
Mar 20, 2025•15 min
Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more
In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.
Mar 13, 2025•22 min
My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)
In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.
Mar 07, 2025•7 min
How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi
Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.
Feb 27, 2025•13 min
10 things I never do when learning a language
10 things I never do when learning a language by Steve Kaufmann
Feb 20, 2025•11 min
How I actually use LingQ to learn languages
Motivation, time, and the ability to notice are all key to language learning. In this video, I share how I use LingQ to make the most of all three.
Feb 13, 2025•10 min
Start a language from scratch (the natural way)
In this video, I share how to start learning a language from scratch in a way that aligns with how our brains naturally learn.
Feb 06, 2025•12 min
How to revive a language you’ve forgotten
Worried you’ve forgotten a language? Reviving it might be easier than you think! In this video, I share my step-by-step plan and discuss my experiences with Turkish, Arabic, and Persian over the years.
Jan 30, 2025•16 min
4 mindset pillars for language learners
In this video, I discuss the concept of cultural weightlessness and share how Taoist philosophy has shaped my language learning journey.
Jan 24, 2025•11 min
6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025
In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.
Jan 16, 2025•8 min
7 reasons to listen before you read
In this video, I share 7 reasons why I prefer listening before reading when learning a new language.
Jan 09, 2025•8 min
New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment?
New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? by Steve Kaufmann
Jan 03, 2025•10 min
The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions
As 2025 approaches, I wanted to explore how personal traits influence our plans and actions — and why it’s important to consider them when making New Year’s resolutions.
Dec 26, 2024•10 min
This Italian polyglot speaks 15 languages. What’s his secret? (feat. @LucaLampariello)
In this video, my friend @LucaLampariello and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.
Dec 20, 2024•48 min
How to use YouTube to boost your language skills
In this video, I share why I believe YouTube is the best platform for learning languages and how both teachers and students can make the most of it.
Dec 12, 2024•13 min
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