Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann Fluency isn’t linear (and that’s a good thing!)
Sep 11, 2025
Discover how embracing randomness and a positive mindset can elevate your language learning journey. Explore the idea that fluency isn't a straight line, but a winding path filled with unexpected twists. Small, meaningful interactions can significantly boost your understanding. The fun of learning a language lies in the experiences along the way, not just the destination. Enjoy the process, relish the ups and downs, and make every moment count!
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Prefer Enjoyment Over Completion
- Enjoy interactions with the language rather than forcing completion of rigid tasks.
- Treat short, random sessions as valuable contributions to long-term learning.
Blackberries Versus Mowing The Lawn
- Steve describes picking and eating blackberries as a random enjoyable activity.
- He contrasts that with mowing the lawn, which demands completion and feels less fitting for language learning.
Complexity Explains Unpredictable Progress
- Complexity theory explains how many small interactions combine into unpredictable growth.
- Self-organization means remembered words connect in unplanned ways to boost ability.