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 14, 2021 • 7min
How To Learn A Language The LAZY Way
Learn how to successfully learn a language the lazy way with hints on setting low goals, reducing stress, and not competing. Discover the benefits of using Danish TV series and Egyptian movies for language learning and the importance of making it entertaining. Explore the habits of a lazy language learner, including minimal preparation, variety, self-acceptance, and engagement.
Jun 10, 2021 • 9min
Learning Arabic & Persian Language Challenge Week 1
I'm in the "Streak with Steve" challenge for both Arabic and Persian. I chose a minimal number of "LingQs created" in each language to make it easier to maintain my streak. In fact, I create many more LingQs every day in my major language of the week, and just try to keep the minor language streak alive.
Learn languages like I do on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2ShaLDr
Jun 7, 2021 • 8min
Do NOT Study Grammar
Grammar describes usage in a language at any given time in its evolution. It's hard for us to learn these rules of usage without a considerable investment of time in reading and listening. Input is the best way for our brain to get used to the patterns of language.
Learn languages like I do on LingQ: https://bit.ly/34XdowY
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.
