Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann - podcast cover

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Steve Kaufmann•blog.thelinguist.com
Education
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

6 habits that made me a successful language learner

In this video, I share the six key elements that shaped my language learning journey. Find out why the usual ways might not work and how a different approach can make a big difference.

Mar 07, 2024•13 min

To improve in a language… take a break from it

In my last video, I talked about how to boost your energy levels. This video is all about rest and why taking a break from a language can help you recuperate energy and motivation.

Jan 25, 2024•7 min

Should we strive to THINK in a foreign language?

The topic of thinking in the language we are learning comes up all the time. In this video I talk about why we shouldn't force the process and why thinking in the language does not guarantee fluency.

Jan 05, 2024•7 min

Year-End Review and Plans for 2024

2023 is almost over and I wanted to share my plans for 2024 as well as some advice for those of you who will be starting or continuing to learn languages next year.

Dec 28, 2023•8 min

Is There a LAZY Way to Learn a Language?

Lazy language learning has been a hot topic lately. In this video, Steve explains why he considers lazy learning to be the best approach to learning a language, even if some researchers say otherwise.

Nov 16, 2023•6 min

STOP Making These EXCUSES Not to Learn a Language

I received a comment recently, saying that learning languages as an older person is almost an impossible task. As someone who has learned 10 languages after turning 60, here’s what I think about the topic.

Nov 02, 2023•4 min

Improve Your Reading and Listening Skills With This Strategy

I often get asked whether it's better to listen or read first. In this video, I talk about my approach to improving listening and reading comprehension and explain why it's important to adapt your strategy to your level.

Oct 19, 2023•7 min

How to REALLY Increase Your IELTS, TOEIC & TOEFL Scores

Standard language tests exist for many languages. IELTS, TOEFl and TEOIC are some of the best known tests for English. Keith, of Keith's Speaking Academy, is an expert on these tests and how to prepare. ✅ Learn more in this interview with him.

Oct 12, 2023•12 min

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Tips From ‘Make It Stick’

Many people try to read and reread things to force them into their brains through massed practice. 🛑 This is not the best way to learn things! 📚 We need to learn how to learn, as described in the book "Make Things Stick" by Peter C. Brown. In this video I share with you the most helpful tips and information.

Oct 05, 2023•8 min

Learning Styles Are a Myth! This is How EVERYONE Learns Languages

🦄 Think you are a “visual,” “auditory,” "book," or “kinesthetic” learner? Think again! According to psychologists Cedar Riener and Daniel Willingham in their 2010 paper “The Myth of Learning Styles,” “There is no credible evidence that learning styles exist.” In this video, I explain more about why learning styles are a myth and the universal ways in which we ALL acquire languages (regardless of learning preferences).

Sep 28, 2023•6 min

Gigachad Polyglot LanguageSimp Gets Serious About Languages

🙀 Popular entertainer and polyglot @LanguageSimp joins me to talk about why language learning should be fun and how he got started in languages, TikTok, and YouTube. He also teaches this 77-year-old language grandpa the meaning of the Gen Z term "simp" (it is NOT what I assumed)...

Sep 14, 2023•15 min

Can You Speak a Foreign Language Well Without Studying Grammar?

📚 In this video, I explain the best way to improve your speaking skills, why vocabulary tends to be more important than grammar, why second-guessing grammar harms your ability to communicate, and why you don't need to STUDY grammar rules to correctly FOLLOW them.

Sep 07, 2023•12 min

Will a Spaced Repetition System (SRS) Help You Learn a Language Faster?

⏳ Some people swear by "spaced repetition systems" (SRS). Others think they are waste of time. What's my take? I've learned 20 languages so far in my life, but have only relied on spaced repetition for a few specific needs in language learning. Watch on to see what those use cases are and what approach I think is generally more effective than using an SRS app.

Aug 31, 2023•14 min

3 Reasons You Should Learn Languages the Natural Way

🧠 The brain acquires languages through lots exposure of input, NOT the conscious memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary. This is a good news! In this video, I share 3 major benefits of learning languages in a natural, non-rules-based way.

Aug 24, 2023•6 min

Do Adults Learn Languages Like Children?

👶 Everyone knows that children are better language learners, right? Well, the truth is not so simple... While children do have SOME advantages when it comes to language learning (e.g. pronunciation), we adults run circles around the little ones in other ways! In this video, I detail the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition and the various linguistic and psychological advantages and disadvantages held by babies and adults.

Aug 17, 2023•15 min
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