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
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.
Jan 25, 2024 • 7min
To improve in a language… take a break from it
In my last video, I talked about how to boost your energy levels. This video is all about rest and why taking a break from a language can help you recuperate energy and motivation.
Jan 18, 2024 • 7min
6 simple habits to boost your energy levels
Always tired? Then this video is for you! Here I share 6 tips to boost your physical and mental energy.
Jan 11, 2024 • 6min
Should you learn similar languages? Pros and cons
The podcast explores the pros and cons of learning similar languages. They discuss the advantages and challenges, including examples of English and French, Spanish and Italian, and Russian and Czech. They also highlight the difficulties and pitfalls of learning similar languages and explain the three steps our brain goes through when speaking a language.
Jan 5, 2024 • 7min
Should we strive to THINK in a foreign language?
The podcast discusses the concept of thinking in a foreign language and its connection to speaking like a native. It emphasizes the importance of listening and reading in language learning, overcoming psychological resistance, and embracing imperfections while learning.
Dec 28, 2023 • 8min
Year-End Review and Plans for 2024
The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistency in language learning and shares their plans for 2024, including creating foreign language videos. They discuss their progression in learning Persian and Arabic and express interest in starting to learn Hindi.
Dec 22, 2023 • 5min
Aramaic, Greek and Latin: a linguistic history of Christmas
Explore the linguistic landscape of Christmas with origins of Christianity, early languages such as Aramaic, Greek, and Latin, and the influence of language, religion, and ethnicity on identity.
