Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Steve Kaufmann
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5 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 10min

The Pareto Principle & Language Learning

If you Google “Pareto’s Principle” You will find all kinds of examples of how a small number of any series of events will account for the lion’s share of the results of effects of these events. People say this also applies to language learning. In this video I question this.
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5 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 14min

My Top Tip For English Pronunciation

Pronunciation and spelling can both give problems to learners of English. They are connected. Unfortunately, however, the spelling is not a reliable indicator of how words are pronounced. It takes a long time to get used to this.
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Nov 10, 2022 • 8min

Learn To Use These Cool French Pronouns “Y” And “En”

In every language I have learned there are certain usage patterns that tickle my fancy. They are usually handy in expressing my thoughts. The French pronouns "y" and "en" are good examples.
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Nov 3, 2022 • 6min

How Do We Know We're Learning A New Language?

If we engage in physical exercise, we have the feeling that we have done something, improved our fitness. We may even have tightness or soreness in our muscles. The same is not true with language learning. Often we don’t know if, in fact, we’re learning.
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Nov 1, 2022 • 9min

Want To Speak Well In Your Target Language? Read More.

Some people say they read well in a language, but struggle to speak. Solution: speak more, but don’t neglect reading. A wide passive vocabulary, best acquired by reading, enables you to engage in conversations with people on a wide range of content.
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Oct 27, 2022 • 6min

Vocabulary You Forget is Still Part of Your Memory

Many people think memory in language learning refers only to words you are able to retrieve when you need them. A much bigger part of your memory are words that you once learned and have forgotten. They are in your reserve waiting to be rediscovered.
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Oct 26, 2022 • 9min

How to Succeed in the First 3 Months of Learning a Language

When you start in a language, nothing is comprehensible. So then how do we get a toehold? Some advice for the key first three months.
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Oct 21, 2022 • 7min

How To Improve Your Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is crucial in language learning and in life. The faster we can read, the more quickly we understand what we’re reading, and the faster we learn. There are tricks we can use to improve our reading comprehension. I discuss them in this video.
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Oct 19, 2022 • 10min

Mexican Spanish Vs. Spain Spanish

Some people worry about which kind of Spanish to learn, Mexican, Colombian, Argentinian, or the Spanish from Spain. In my view, this is not something worth worrying about when we start out in the language. Later on, once you are comfortable in the language, you can decide which accent or version you want to focus on.
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Oct 14, 2022 • 8min

Reading & Listening Comprehension Strategy: When To Focus

When we learn a language we focus on specific details at times, to get a clearer sense of the language. At other times we allow the language to enter our brain with less than perfect comprehension. Both help us grow in the language.

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