Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann - podcast cover

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Steve Kaufmannblog.thelinguist.com
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

Learning Italian with Davide of @PodcastItaliano

When I want to improve my Italian, Davide’s Podcast Italiano channel is where I will go. The content is interesting and Davide speaks clearly and not too fast. In this my latest video I chatted with Davide about his channel and the Italian language.

Mar 21, 202321 min

DON'T Learn Slang

Using slang too early in your language learning can backfire. I never make slang my focus. Instead I let any slang words or phrases come naturally as I gain more and more exposure to the language.

Mar 09, 20238 min

How I Learn Languages From Scratch

When I start a new language, I sometimes know a related language and that helps. This is a video of me starting two languages that are not related to languages I know, Finnish and Indonesian.

Mar 07, 202312 min

Why I Don't Do Language Tests, Drills or Quizzes

Do you think quizzes and tests are essential for language learning? Traditional language instruction certainly has many of us believing this to be true. In this video I explain why I don’t do quizzes, drills and tests and why you shouldn’t either.

Feb 28, 20236 min

How to Get Started Learning a Language

As Aristotle said “well begun is half done”. Laozi said “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. This is true for language learning. Just getting started is half the battle, but you need to make sure you get started in the right way.

Feb 23, 20236 min

Why I Say “Don’t Aspire to Fluency in Language Learning”

It’s not enough to have a lofty language learning goal like “I want to be fluent”. What matters more is that you focus on what you are going to do every day with the language. Find activities that give you enjoyment and satisfaction, every day. This will ensure constant improvement.

Feb 21, 20235 min

ChatGPT, AI & Language Learning with Luca Lampariello

No better person to talk to about chatGPT, AI, and language learning, than my friend and outstanding polyglot, Luca Lampariello. We are of the old school. Will a younger generation learn languages differently?

Feb 16, 202322 min

What Are the Basics in Language Learning (And Do They Matter)?

Numbers, colours, days of the week, family members, body parts, greetings, etc. I have never understood the need to focus on such vocabulary when we start learning a new language. In fact, I find it more difficult to remember these words as there is no meaningful context.

Feb 14, 202310 min

How To Deal With The Language Learning Plateau

The plateau is a concept that comes up often in language learning. We have some initial success in acquiring new words and gaining a sense of this new language, then we come to that period where there are lots of low frequency words that we need to learn.

Feb 09, 20235 min

The Key To Improved Listening Comprehension

I spend most of my time listening. Listening comprehension is where the action is, in my opinion. If you can understand movies, podcasts, conversations, the other end of the conversation, you can eventually get to where you can hold up your end of the conversation.

Feb 07, 20236 min

The Most Effective Way To Increase Your Vocabulary

Reading is a vital activity in language acquisition. It’s how to build vocabulary. In today’s video I talk about my experience with both intensive and extensive reading and why I like to do a mix of both.

Jan 31, 202314 min

The 5 Stages Of Enjoyment In Language Learning

I enjoy every stage of my language learning; when I start to explore a new language; when I go back again to something familiar that I don’t understand; when I start to understand more; when I understand most of it; and when I no longer feel I need to learn it.

Jan 26, 20238 min

Atomic Habits & Language Learning

Throughout his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear makes the point that small actions can, over time, have a major impact on outcomes. Developing good habits is more important than focusing on long term goals.

Jan 24, 202312 min

When Learning A Language DON'T Study The "Basics"

Some people say we need to “focus on the basics” when learning a language. However, we acquire various aspects of a language naturally, in an order that we don’t control. It is futile to try to master the basics, some of which will elude us for a long time.

Jan 20, 20239 min

Should English Be The Lingua Franca?

YouTuber Veronika Mark speaks excellent English and now she is studying Spanish in Mexico City. I caught up with her and discussed her studies and how her English has improved since we last spoke.

Jan 17, 202316 min

Can Learning Languages Help Prevent Dementia?

There may be many reasons why language learning, or bilingualism, is associated with a delay in the onset of dementia. Obviously, it is a form of exercise for the brain, creating new neural networks, but it also gives older people a strong sense of purpose.

Jan 12, 20236 min

One Thing I AVOID When Learning A Language

Do you enjoy answering comprehension questions about content in your target language? Many teachers and writers of language learning textbooks seem to think these questions are vital. I couldn’t disagree more.

Jan 10, 20237 min

Language Challenges & Maintaining Your Streak

Challenge yourself in 2023 and start a LingQ Language Challenge. We have a 30-day and 90-day challenges as well as the Streak with Steve challenge. Stay on track, motivated and learn from content you’re interested in and you will make a breakthrough in your target language.

Jan 05, 20237 min

My Language Learning New Years Resolutions 2023

In the coming year I want to follow my own advice and make sure I enjoy my language learning activities without worrying about how much I am improving. That’s my major New Year’s resolution.

Jan 03, 20239 min

In Language Learning Do It WRONG The First Time

We shouldn’t penalize people for getting things wrong in language learning. Maybe we congratulate them instead and encourage them to keep on getting things wrong, because eventually, with enough exposure, they’re going to get it right.

Jan 01, 20237 min

Why It’s Hard To Learn Similar Things When Learning A New Language

I find it easier to learn things that are different from each other in a new language. Take colours for example. If I can space the colours or connect them to something else, like a plant or a shirt, and I come across them in different situations, then eventually I assimilate them. I start to learn them. But if I try to learn them as a list, I find that very difficult to do.

Dec 29, 20225 min

Monolingual Child to Polyglot Adult: Stefani’s Journey

Stefani is fluent in five languages, intermediate in three others and learning two more. She is yet another outstanding polyglot who proves that you can grow up in a monolingual family and become an accomplished speaker of many languages.

Dec 22, 202214 min

Speak Your Way To Fluency

To speak well in a language we’re learning, we need to speak a lot. This requires strategy. We need to first build up our comprehension and vocabulary. Then we need to find or create environments that are familiar, comfortable and meaningful.

Dec 20, 20227 min

Can Writing By Hand Help You Learn A Language Faster?

Writing is a great way to improve your skills and comprehension, but particularly your ability to output, to speak. To write you need to look words up, so it’s an assist to get to speaking. Do you agree?

Dec 16, 202213 min

7 Reasons To Learn Languages

Aristotle's Metaphysics begins: "All men by nature desire to know". Languages are among the most useful and rewarding things we can learn and get to know. I discuss this in this video.

Dec 14, 202210 min

How Close Are Ukrainian And Russian?

Ksenia, from Russia, learned Ukrainian in Ukraine. I asked her how much Ukrainian a Russian speaker, with no previous exposure, understands. Answer: 40%.

Dec 09, 202221 min
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