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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
