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
Dec 9, 2022 • 21min
How Close Are Ukrainian And Russian?
Ksenia, from Russia, learned Ukrainian in Ukraine. I asked her how much Ukrainian a Russian speaker, with no previous exposure, understands. Answer: 40%.
Dec 6, 2022 • 9min
Joe Rogan On Language Learning: Disappointing In My View
Someone sent me a few video clips recently of Joe Rogan discussing language learning with his guests. There is something in the attitude in these clips that bothers me as a language learning enthusiast.
Dec 2, 2022 • 11min
How Do We Improve Our Writing In A New Language?
I recognize that writing can be a way of improving your ability in the language, a way of getting to more output. For some people it’s important to their academic and professional aspirations. So what do I have to say on the subject of writing?
Nov 30, 2022 • 6min
Do Your Emotions Affect Your Success In Learning A New Language?
Emotion is an important part of learning languages. Cognitive research has shown that we learn better when we have positive feelings towards what we are learning. This is particularly true when it comes to the culture of the language we are learning.
7 snips
Nov 24, 2022 • 8min
Language Learning Success Depends On Rewarding Yourself
Reward yourself for what you can do in your target language. Don’t criticize yourself for what you can’t do. There are moments when you feel disappointed. Ignore these moments of self-doubt. Give yourself credit for staying active with the language, a guarantee of eventual success.
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.
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.
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.
