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
Oct 12, 2022 • 14min
AI And Language Learning
I use artificial intelligence in the way I learn languages already. I think we’re just at the beginning of what AI can do to help us enjoy language learning more, and consequently do better.
Oct 4, 2022 • 9min
To Learn Vocabulary We Must Forget Vocabulary
An obstacle to acquiring vocabulary is our reluctance to accept forgetting, our vain hope to hang on to vocabulary we have tried to learn. Maybe we should just let go of new vocabulary, repeatedly catch and release, until it sticks.
Sep 29, 2022 • 8min
Does Language Immersion Work?
Language immersion sounds like magic. You go live in a country and once you are there you learn the language. In this video I explain why this isn’t necessarily the case, and what you can do to increase your chances of language immersion strategy success.
Sep 28, 2022 • 8min
Combine These Language Learning Strategies For Success
Language learning is forgiving. It allows for errors and forgetting. We slowly become better by doing mostly top down, big picture learning, but sometimes we need to look at the details. We just shouldn't expect to remember them.
Sep 20, 2022 • 7min
Don't Compare Yourself To Others When Learning A Language
You’re in charge of your language learning journey, you’re steering the boat. You go where you want to go and don’t worry about who’s behind and ahead of you.
Sep 16, 2022 • 11min
How I Would Teach Languages In A Classroom
A language teacher should first and foremost be a motivator. I don’t believe you can teach a language to someone not motivated to learn it. Motivating learners is, of course, easier said than done, but it should be the primary goal of any teacher.
Sep 8, 2022 • 11min
Can We Acquire A Language Naturally As Adults?
How deliberate should we be in learning a language? Should we deliberately study the language or do we just acquire it naturally?
Sep 6, 2022 • 6min
Authenticity In Language Learning
I think we should aim for authenticity in language learning. The language content we are learning from, the conversations we have, need to be as authentic and as meaningful as possible. That way we learn without noticing that we are learning.
Aug 31, 2022 • 6min
Forget About Native Pronunciation & Focus On NATURAL Pronunciation
I hear people say they want to achieve native pronunciation. A more realistic goal may be natural pronunciation where the speaker and the listener both feel comfortable. To achieve natural pronunciation you may need at first to just let go and play act a little.
Aug 25, 2022 • 23min
Mastering TOEIC With Tetsuya Of @Morite2 English Channel
Tetsuya of the YouTube channel Morite2 teaches test-taking skills for Japanese people taking TOEIC. We chatted about the state of English learning in Japan and his adventures in language learning.
