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
Oct 21, 2022 • 7min
How To Improve Your Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is crucial in language learning and in life. The faster we can read, the more quickly we understand what we’re reading, and the faster we learn. There are tricks we can use to improve our reading comprehension. I discuss them in this video.
Oct 19, 2022 • 10min
Mexican Spanish Vs. Spain Spanish
Some people worry about which kind of Spanish to learn, Mexican, Colombian, Argentinian, or the Spanish from Spain. In my view, this is not something worth worrying about when we start out in the language. Later on, once you are comfortable in the language, you can decide which accent or version you want to focus on.
Oct 14, 2022 • 8min
Reading & Listening Comprehension Strategy: When To Focus
When we learn a language we focus on specific details at times, to get a clearer sense of the language. At other times we allow the language to enter our brain with less than perfect comprehension. Both help us grow in the language.
Oct 12, 2022 • 14min
AI And Language Learning
I use artificial intelligence in the way I learn languages already. I think we’re just at the beginning of what AI can do to help us enjoy language learning more, and consequently do better.
Oct 4, 2022 • 9min
To Learn Vocabulary We Must Forget Vocabulary
An obstacle to acquiring vocabulary is our reluctance to accept forgetting, our vain hope to hang on to vocabulary we have tried to learn. Maybe we should just let go of new vocabulary, repeatedly catch and release, until it sticks.
Sep 29, 2022 • 8min
Does Language Immersion Work?
Language immersion sounds like magic. You go live in a country and once you are there you learn the language. In this video I explain why this isn’t necessarily the case, and what you can do to increase your chances of language immersion strategy success.
Sep 28, 2022 • 8min
Combine These Language Learning Strategies For Success
Language learning is forgiving. It allows for errors and forgetting. We slowly become better by doing mostly top down, big picture learning, but sometimes we need to look at the details. We just shouldn't expect to remember them.
Sep 20, 2022 • 7min
Don't Compare Yourself To Others When Learning A Language
You’re in charge of your language learning journey, you’re steering the boat. You go where you want to go and don’t worry about who’s behind and ahead of you.
Sep 16, 2022 • 11min
How I Would Teach Languages In A Classroom
A language teacher should first and foremost be a motivator. I don’t believe you can teach a language to someone not motivated to learn it. Motivating learners is, of course, easier said than done, but it should be the primary goal of any teacher.
Sep 8, 2022 • 11min
Can We Acquire A Language Naturally As Adults?
How deliberate should we be in learning a language? Should we deliberately study the language or do we just acquire it naturally?
