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
Apr 25, 2024 • 11min
Fluent in one language or good in many?
Debate on focusing on one language vs. exploring many. Personal anecdotes on learning French and Mandarin. Challenges and rewards of learning diverse languages. Speaker's journey with multiple languages to various levels of fluency.
11 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 17min
I’ve read books in 12 languages. Here’s how I do it
Exploring the neurological connections of reading and listening for language learning. Benefits of reading on paper vs. digital devices. Using audio to learn languages effectively. Embracing the joy of reading in a foreign language for language acquisition.
6 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 16min
Don’t memorize vocabulary. Do this instead
Exploring the importance of vocabulary acquisition in language learning, dispelling myths about reading ability in children, and debunking language acquisition myths through exposure and probabilistic learning. Also, delving into brain functions in vocabulary learning, pattern recognition, and maximizing vocabulary acquisition through effective methods.
Mar 22, 2024 • 18min
My Arabic journey: why it’s been so difficult
I have been learning Arabic since 2017 and I have to admit that it hasn't been easy. In this video you'll learn why I find Arabic so challenging and what I do to keep going despite the obstacles.
Mar 15, 2024 • 13min
Technology won’t KILL language learning. It will make it more FUN
Exploring the impact of technology on language learning, from ancient tools to modern advancements like ChatGPT and virtual reality. Discussing AI personalization, memory aspects of learning nouns versus verbs, and language capability development.
16 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 13min
6 habits that made me a successful language learner
Discover the importance of confidence, belief, flexibility, and patience in language learning success. Embrace curiosity and the joy of learning by building vocabulary and fostering interest in different languages and cultures.
Feb 29, 2024 • 20min
Q&A with Steve Kaufmann: 1 million subscriber edition
Steve Kaufmann discusses the importance of input in language learning, traits of good language learners, pronunciation improvement, strategies for overcoming language learning challenges, adult vs child language learning, embracing the joy of language learning, and starting a language from scratch.
Feb 22, 2024 • 13min
How U.S. diplomats learn languages | FSI language courses review
Exploring the FSI language difficulty ranking and achievable fluency levels within set timelines. Discussing challenges and surprises in learning languages like French, Danish, Romanian, and German. Shifting from traditional language courses to self-study balance. Factors like writing systems, phonetic scripts, and motivation influencing language learning difficulty and progression.
Feb 16, 2024 • 10min
Is there a shortcut to conversational fluency?
Debunking the myth of rapid fluency, importance of vocabulary variety, Tim Ferriss' language deconstruction method, mnemonic techniques for language learning, vocabulary acquisition strategies, spaced repetition, enjoyable learning methods, diverse contextual exposure, making mistakes to improve fluency
Feb 1, 2024 • 6min
No Intentes Dominar Lo Básico Del Idioma Mejor Haz Esto
In this video, I explain why trying to master the basics of a language is not a good idea.
