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 7, 2021 • 7min
A Polyglot's 10 Secrets to Language Learning
We are often attracted by the appeal of 10 secrets to losing weight, seven tips for keeping your house clean, so why not 10 secrets to language learning? These secrets or tips usually get us thinking about ways to do things better.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3uqk1CQ
May 3, 2021 • 12min
SRS, Spaced Repetition Systems, A Major Boost to Language Learning?
The key to success in language learning is to engage with the language often and in ways that you find enjoyable. If you like doing flash cards, using spaced repetition systems, then it's worth doing. If not, this kind of learning activity won't help much.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/33fnKXO
Apr 30, 2021 • 9min
Language Learning: Should You Study the Basics?
We acquire languages gradually through input. Some people think we need to master certain basic concepts or vocabulary first as soon as possible. In fact, we acquire the most common words and structures of the language slowly and mostly if we are exposed to them often enough in natural contexts.
Apr 26, 2021 • 17min
How to Learn a New Language from Scratch: Indonesian
Given that the fastest way to learn a language is to listen and read a lot, how do you begin a language from scratch, when you don't understand anything? Here I demonstrate how I start a new language.
Apr 22, 2021 • 8min
Learn a Language in a Month: Is it Possible?
Neither "speaking from day one" nor "getting a good grammar book and dictionary" will enable a person to learn a language more quickly. These things can be part of a learning strategy. Mostly, however, we need to acquire the language through lots of exposure, lots of reading and listening.
Apr 20, 2021 • 10min
How To Study Languages Effectively At School
A lot of language study takes place in schools. In the English language school system in Canada, very few school children outside of French immersion learn to speak French despite years of classroom instruction and testing. Why is this?
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Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3euQz8f
Apr 15, 2021 • 10min
How to Study Effectively
Reading is the killer app for learning languages, but also for learning other things. In order to study effectively we need to work on our reading skills, and that means reading a lot. We should also take advantage of audio in order to ramp up our ability to absorb information from reading. This applies to language learning and learning other subjects as well.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3toiU6i
Apr 9, 2021 • 10min
How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language
People ask me how long it takes to learn a language, sometimes with reference to a specific language. I feel like asking them "what's the hurry?". Just enjoy the language and enjoy whatever you are able to achieve in the language.
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Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2OxOzTD
Apr 3, 2021 • 14min
How I Learned Russian
Dive into the adventure of learning Russian through immersive methods like listening and reading. Discover the intricate beauty of Russian and its cultural ties to other Slavic languages. The speaker shares personal experiences, challenges, and the rewards of intertwining language with literature and media. Uncover the excitement of connecting with the Slavic world and the opportunities that unfold from mastering this fascinating language.
Mar 27, 2021 • 13min
What Is The Hardest Language to Learn?
Are some languages harder to learn than others? Yes, think so. Some have less or more forgiving grammar. Some have unfamiliar or hard to learn writing systems. Some are harder to pronounce or have little common vocabulary with languages we know. But if we are truly motivated, it doesn't matter.
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Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3cmp2FV
