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 13, 2021 • 9min
How To Stay Motivated
Language learning depends on our motivation. But then, that is true of most things that are worthwhile doing in life. Here I talk about how to stay motivated when we're learning a new language.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3CBcu8K
Aug 10, 2021 • 10min
Language Study Motivation And Repetition Q&A
I made a video about the importance of repetition in language learning. This generated questions from my viewers which I try to answer here. One common theme is that we need to mix in interesting compelling new content with our repetitive listening and reading.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3lKRPcv
Aug 5, 2021 • 9min
The Importance Of Repetition In Language Learning
I’m a strong supporter of Krashen’s language acquisition hypothesis and the importance of compelling input. But there is a role for repetitive listening to a limited range of content for reasons I discuss in this video.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3Ae7MvB
Aug 2, 2021 • 10min
How To Make The Time To Learn Languages
People tell me they have no time to learn languages. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting started. Listening is the easiest activity to use to get started learning a language. Here are some thoughts on how to go about it.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3jdGmPB
Jul 30, 2021 • 5min
Language Learning Progress Videos: Why They're A Great Idea
I'm 45 days into my 90-day challenge of trying to get to the next level in Persian and Arabic. I thought I would like to do a monologue in Persian. It is full of mistakes, unrehearsed. That's what makes it useful for me, to notice my gaps and as a record of my progress.
Jul 26, 2021 • 3min
Polyglot Speaking In 9 Languages
My attitude towards language learning has changed over the last 15 years. I used to think speaking a handful of languages was a big deal. I now think there's no limit to the number of languages we can learn, as long as we aren't seeking perfection. Every language we learn, even a little of, is enriching.
Jul 22, 2021 • 9min
Entrepreneurs & Language Learners
Entrepreneurship and language learning are connected in my mind. Both involve creating value. Learning a language creates value for oneself. Entrepreneurship is all about creating value for others.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/36UL8Ms
Jul 19, 2021 • 13min
For Better Pronunciation In A Foreign Language, Work On Your Attitude
Pronouncing well doesn’t mean pronouncing perfectly, it may require deliberate effort. That was my experience when learning Mandarin and French. In subsequent languages, the pronunciation just came to me.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3rj79O4
Jul 15, 2021 • 7min
Is There A Talent For Language Learning
When people hear me speak languages like Mandarin, Japanese, French, or Russian, or see me eagerly trying out my more limited abilities in languages like Persian, Korean or Arabic, they often tell me I’ve a talent for languages. Yet these same people don’t put the effort into learning languages that I do.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3kn0qBp
Jul 12, 2021 • 10min
The Noticing Hypothesis In Language Learning
As we are exposed to more of a language, things we hadn’t noticed before all of a sudden appear to us. This process of noticing more and more is an important part of acquiring the language.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3xBR8Fv
