Steve Kaufmann, a polyglot with a good level of proficiency in around 20 languages, shares language learning tips including mistakes to avoid, the importance of curiosity, the intermediate plateau, leaving your comfort zone, and increasing vocabulary.
Language learners should embrace mistakes and not be too hard on themselves, focusing on enjoying the journey rather than expecting perfection.
Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of language learning, fueling motivation and progress. Learners should explore topics of interest to enhance their language acquisition.
Deep dives
Improving Language Learning
Steve Kaufman is a renowned figure in the language learning space due to his passion and success in learning languages. He speaks around 20 languages and shares his insights in his popular YouTube channel called Lingo Steve. In this podcast episode, the host interviews Steve and discusses various language learning topics, including improving vocabulary, surpassing the intermediate plateau, common mistakes language learners make, and the importance of leaving one's comfort zone to enhance language learning.
The Importance of Realistic Expectations
According to Steve Kaufman, learners often have unrealistic expectations of language learning. He emphasizes that making mistakes and forgetting words are normal parts of the learning process. Being demanding or too hard on oneself can hinder progress. Steve suggests enjoying the language learning journey, finding methods to make it enjoyable, and not worrying about mistakes or slow progress. He encourages learners to be kinder to themselves and to have a more relaxed approach to learning.
Curiosity as a Key to Language Learning
Steve Kaufman highlights the importance of curiosity in language learning. He believes that curiosity is the foundation of all learning and plays a crucial role in language acquisition. Genuine curiosity about a language and its culture keeps learners engaged and motivated. As learners explore topics they find interesting, their curiosity grows, which fuels their language learning progress. Steve suggests finding subjects of interest, embracing curiosity, and exploring various aspects of the target language to enhance motivation and learning outcomes.
Overcoming Challenges and Language Plateaus
Steve Kaufman acknowledges the existence of language plateaus, where learners may feel stagnant in their progress. He differentiates between comprehension and speaking plateaus, advising learners to persistently expose themselves to comprehensible input, such as extensive reading, to overcome the comprehension plateau. With speaking ability, Steve emphasizes the need for regular and frequent speaking practice to improve fluency. He recommends engaging in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners to develop speaking skills and gradually overcome plateaus.
Steve Kaufmann is a polyglot who has a good level of proficiency in around 20 languages. Steve is well known for his content online and on his YouTube channel, Lingo Steve. You've probably seen him before!
Today he joined me for a really fascinating chat about language learning. I cover some of his recent YouTube videos and ask for tips on some of these topics. If you want to know more, I highly recommend going to his channel for more details.