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
Jun 3, 2021 • 8min
90 Day Arabic And Persian Language Challenge
Even a keen language learner like myself needs to be nudged from time to time. That is why I join the 90-Day Challenges at LingQ. I invite others to do the same, maybe even follow me, in the languages they are studying.
Join me in a LingQ language challenge: https://bit.ly/3cizpKG
May 31, 2021 • 13min
Pitch Accent: Is It Important?
Want to learn a language like I do? Join LingQ today: https://bit.ly/3yPzU8w
Pitch accent has received more attention recently, especially for learners of Japanese. Do I think pitch accent is important? No. Not important.
May 27, 2021 • 11min
How Do You Become Good at Speaking in a New Language?
I always emphasize input in language learning, getting the language in you through listening and reading. But how do you get started speaking? I offer some advice in this video.
Learn a new language like I do, on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3ftIoL3
May 21, 2021 • 11min
My Favourite Language Learning Apps
The Internet has changed how we learn languages. There are so many apps and so much readily available technology that it has never been easier to learn languages.
Want to learn a new language? Sign up for LingQ today: https://bit.ly/3v5dZIk
May 20, 2021 • 13min
How I Learned Japanese
Learning Japanese, and living in Tokyo for 9 years, had a profound influence on my life, especially professionally. It wasn't necessarily meant to be. It came about because of a personality conflict I had with my boss. I might have ended up in Beijing instead.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3eW6PAx
May 20, 2021 • 9min
Why You Need To Make Mistakes When Speaking A New Language
Mistakes are an essential part of language learning, a chance to notice and learn. We should welcome our mistakes. Unfortunately, school teaches us to be afraid of mistakes.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2RMwNNE
May 10, 2021 • 9min
How to Start Talking in a New Language
Talking, having meaningful conversations in the language we are learning, is not only a major goal for most language learners, it is a necessary part of getting to fluency. But our attitude is important. It's best to focus more on communicating meaning, and how the language is used by others, and less on how we think we sound.
May 7, 2021 • 7min
A Polyglot's 10 Secrets to Language Learning
We are often attracted by the appeal of 10 secrets to losing weight, seven tips for keeping your house clean, so why not 10 secrets to language learning? These secrets or tips usually get us thinking about ways to do things better.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3uqk1CQ
May 3, 2021 • 12min
SRS, Spaced Repetition Systems, A Major Boost to Language Learning?
The key to success in language learning is to engage with the language often and in ways that you find enjoyable. If you like doing flash cards, using spaced repetition systems, then it's worth doing. If not, this kind of learning activity won't help much.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/33fnKXO
Apr 30, 2021 • 9min
Language Learning: Should You Study the Basics?
We acquire languages gradually through input. Some people think we need to master certain basic concepts or vocabulary first as soon as possible. In fact, we acquire the most common words and structures of the language slowly and mostly if we are exposed to them often enough in natural contexts.
