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
May 1, 2025 • 11min
STOP chasing perfection and START making progress
In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.
Apr 24, 2025 • 8min
Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent
In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.
Apr 17, 2025 • 11min
Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)
In this video, I talk about how comparison can either inspire or discourage you when learning a language — and how I approach it to make sure my motivation doesn’t suffer.
Apr 10, 2025 • 29min
Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how @BijuuMike is learning Japanese
In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.
Apr 3, 2025 • 10min
How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning
In this video I talk about why we need both novelty and repetition in our language learning routine, and how to strike a balance between the two.
Mar 27, 2025 • 11min
Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)
Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?
Mar 20, 2025 • 15min
Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?
Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?
Mar 13, 2025 • 22min
Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more
In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.
Mar 7, 2025 • 7min
My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)
Discover the importance of prioritizing comprehension over instant fluency in language learning. The speaker shares a personal routine that includes immersing in podcasts and expanding vocabulary. Conversations with a tutor play a pivotal role in gradual knowledge accumulation. This thoughtful approach sets the stage for improved speaking skills in the long run.
Feb 27, 2025 • 13min
How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi
Discover the immersive approach to tackling a completely unfamiliar language like Punjabi. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about sound acquisition and the commitment needed to understand new writing systems. They highlight the challenges of learning Punjabi, especially its intricate script, and stress the importance of low-pressure activities. Persistence and the use of digital resources play key roles in overcoming language barriers while also uncovering rich cultural insights.
