Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
May 15, 2025 • 10min
Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this
Language learners often grapple with understanding more than they can express. The discussion dives into the challenges of turning passive vocabulary into active speech. Immersive practices, such as reading and listening, are highlighted as key strategies. The importance of overcoming the fear of making mistakes in conversation is also addressed. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to enhance their speaking skills!
10 snips
May 8, 2025 • 12min
My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language
Explore the powerful link between motivation and language learning success. Discover how creating habits and setting achievable goals can keep your drive alive. The discussion emphasizes celebrating small victories and finding joy in the process. By recognizing intrinsic interests and fostering good habits, learners can enhance their engagement and personal growth. Tune in for insightful tips on maintaining enthusiasm and making language learning a rewarding journey!
May 1, 2025 • 11min
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.
Apr 24, 2025 • 8min
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 17, 2025 • 11min
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 10, 2025 • 29min
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 3, 2025 • 10min
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.
Mar 27, 2025 • 11min
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 20, 2025 • 15min
Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?
Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?
Mar 13, 2025 • 22min
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.
