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
Aug 16, 2022 • 8min
Don’t Study Phrasal Verbs And Collocations
In English and other languages, certain words are often used with certain other words, sometimes to convey a special meaning. This juxtaposition of words is sometimes referred to as collocation. How do we learn to use collocations?
Aug 12, 2022 • 13min
Why I Learn Languages: Persian
When learning a language I'm mostly motivated by an interest in the history and culture. Persian is no exception. Right now I'm listening to a podcast in Persian about Iranian identity.
Aug 9, 2022 • 11min
How I Use Dictionaries When Learning A Language
To learn a language we need to look up the meaning of words. This means referring to dictionaries. Lately this has meant mostly referring to online dictionaries for me. Dictionaries are a necessary part of language learning as long as we use them effectively.
Aug 5, 2022 • 9min
How To Focus In On Content When Learning A Language
For the last four or five days I've been focusing on a Persian podcast about the Islamic Revolution. I feel that this degree of focus and concentration has elevated my Persian. I explain in today’s video.
Aug 3, 2022 • 7min
Variety Is The Spice Of Language Learning
Variety is the spice of life. Variety will help you learn. If you're in charge of your learning, you set the program, decide what you will spend your time on and set yourself up for success.
Jul 27, 2022 • 8min
Listening & Reading Comprehension, YES - Comprehension Questions, NO
I don’t think comprehension questions are helpful in language learning. They destroy the pleasure of reading or listening. Brazilian educator Rubem Alves agrees with me. I listened to and read his thoughts while learning Portuguese. I didn’t always fully understand but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and my Portuguese improved.
Jul 22, 2022 • 8min
The Most Important Thing In Language Learning
What is important in language learning is whatever is important to you. You learn best from content that is important to you. You notice things that are important to you. You remember things that are important to you.
Jul 20, 2022 • 13min
How To Review Vocabulary
As you know, I learn languages on LingQ. Mostly I listen and read. But I also review vocabulary. Here’s how I do it using LingQ’s vocabulary review activities.
Jul 14, 2022 • 16min
Learn English Like A Native With @English Like A Native
In this video, I discuss learning English with Anna Tyrie of the YouTube channel English Like a Native: phrasal verbs, spelling, pronunciation and more!
Jul 12, 2022 • 11min
Don't Make Long Term Goals In Language Learning
The podcast discusses the importance of short-term language learning goals over long-term ones to stay engaged and track progress effectively.
