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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!

Total 338 episodes

5

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Language And Culture - First Learn The Language, Then The Culture

Language And Culture - First Learn The Language, Then The Culture

When I learn a language I'm curious about the culture. However, I first need to get a sense of the new language using subject matter familiar to me. More exotic details of the culture can wait. Unfortunately these are often included in beginner texts.

11:2430/12/2021

Don't Just Learn Business English

Don't Just Learn Business English

Many people need English for the workplace, including immigrants in English speaking countries. To learn the technical language mine the many publications, articles, YouTube videos, podcasts etc. from the Internet for the words and phrases you need to learn.

08:2228/12/2021

Shadowing Technique - Arabic And Persian

Shadowing Technique - Arabic And Persian

Shadowing is a language learning technique developed and popularized by polyglot Alexander Argüelles. The idea is to repeat what you hear while listening in order to improve pronunciation and speaking. I have not used this much in the past but want to give it another try.

08:0924/12/2021

How I Learned German

How I Learned German

I started learning German before the age of the Internet. I'd had some exposure as a young man, but during a month between jobs, in 1987, I really went at it. I found second hand German readers, and I went at then, massive comprehensible input.

12:4920/12/2021

Seniors Should Learn Languages

Seniors Should Learn Languages

I used to say that age is no obstacle to language learning. I want to state that differently now. I think seniors should learn languages. The benefits are many.

07:1817/12/2021

My Language Learning Motivation

My Language Learning Motivation

In my latest video I talk about how much my interest in history has influenced my language learning. It has been my inspiration, my source of interesting content, and represents much of the time that I have spent learning these languages. And just about all of them my interest in history sustained me.

11:5514/12/2021

Learning A Language Involves Indirect Motivation

Learning A Language Involves Indirect Motivation

To achieve a comfortable level in a language you first have to have a reason, a subject of interest, a friend, something that you focus on directly. Your ultimate goal of fluency is the indirect result of his first step.

07:4310/12/2021

CI / Compelling Or Comprehensible Input In Language Learning

CI / Compelling Or Comprehensible Input In Language Learning

The realization, thanks in large part to Stephen Krashen, that meaningful, comprehensible, and compelling input (CI) is the key to language learning success is changing how languages are taught. But how does it work, given that the new language is incomprehensible when we start?

12:1903/12/2021

How Should Languages Be Taught In School

How Should Languages Be Taught In School

I favour using content of interest, compelling content, to make language learning enjoyable. But many school learners simply aren't interested. Can setting a specific list of words to learn make things better?

12:4601/12/2021

Language Learning And Introverts

Language Learning And Introverts

It's a common question: are extroverts better language learners than introverts? I don't think it matters. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FG2b48

06:4123/11/2021

The Motivation Of A Polyglot @Gabriel Poliglota

The Motivation Of A Polyglot @Gabriel Poliglota

Gabriel is a wonderful polyglot. He learned them mostly one after the other, motivated by different things, and encouraged by his success. I think that is the case with most polyglots.

16:0316/11/2021

The Importance Of Reading

The Importance Of Reading

We need meaningful input to learn languages. Listening is great for preparing to speak and is the most portable learning activity, but reading is where I feel I acquire the most words.

06:5709/11/2021

Common Language Learning Problems

Common Language Learning Problems

What are the most common problems I see in language learners? A big one is that people don't realize how long it takes and give up too soon. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3jY6eAb

05:5202/11/2021

Task - Based Language Learning

Task - Based Language Learning

Language acquisition is a slow and gradual process of improvement, uneven and sometimes imperceptible. Having clear tasks helps to keep you going. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3blwrnJ

07:3329/10/2021

You Needn't Travel To The Country To Achieve Fluency Chat With @English With Veronika Mark

You Needn't Travel To The Country To Achieve Fluency Chat With @English With Veronika Mark

Veronika teaches English at her youtube channel English with Veronika Mark. Her English is flawless. She learned at home in Russia. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3BcMs9Z

10:1625/10/2021

Speaking In Your Target Language My Thoughts & Tips

Speaking In Your Target Language My Thoughts & Tips

I focus a lot on input, reading and listening, but my goal is always to speak the language. Output is important and the languages that I speak and probably understand the best are the ones that I have spoken the most. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3nhfGQ7

09:2021/10/2021

How To Become A Polyglot

How To Become A Polyglot

To become a polyglot, you have to start by wanting to learn just one language. If you do so you may find you're motivated to learn another language, because you enjoyed the experience, the cultural enrichment, and the sense of satisfaction of becoming fluent in a new language. You're on your way. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FXTMdp

10:3914/10/2021

Stephen Krashen And Language Acquisition

Stephen Krashen And Language Acquisition

Those of us who learn languages typically spend a lot of time engaged in various language learning activities. It's well worthwhile understanding how we learn languages. There is no better source of information on this subject, no better explainer, than Stephen Krashen. 🔥 Learn languages like I do with LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FBCDWw

09:2212/10/2021

Don't Learn Slang

Don't Learn Slang

Some people want to learn slang and even swear words at an early stage of their learning. I've never done this and don't recommend it. You actually need quite a high level of familiarity with a language to be able to use these terms appropriately. There is a danger of creating a bad impression without realizing it.

05:2008/10/2021

Language Learning And Augmented Reality

Language Learning And Augmented Reality

The greater the variety of our language learning activities, the more different ways we use the language while learning it, paradoxically, the better we end up focussing when we interact with that language. We end up with an augmented reality experience. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3BaQd0o

06:1005/10/2021

Don't Just Learn A Language, Get Familiar With It

Don't Just Learn A Language, Get Familiar With It

It has occurred to me that the process of learning a language is not one of deliberately learning rules and words, but rather one of becoming familiar with a language, making another language a friend, whose traits and idiosyncrasies we appreciate and enjoy. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3kMtfHc

07:5927/09/2021

Productivity Hacks For Language Learning

Productivity Hacks For Language Learning

People often look for better ways to do things, sometimes called hacks. Are there hacks for learning languages? I checked out some productivity hacks on the Internet. Do they work for languages? Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2XXpp5n

08:2523/09/2021

Polyglot Stuart Jay Raj On Learning Tonal Languages

Polyglot Stuart Jay Raj On Learning Tonal Languages

Stu Jay Raj speaks languages of southeast Asia, India and China. Most people know that the Indian subcontinent and China have a combined population of around 3 billion people but don’t realize Southeast Asia has a population of almost 700 million. There are a lot of people that Stu can speak to and learn from. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3hQgyt7

24:4420/09/2021

Language Immersion And Travel

Language Immersion And Travel

Language learning is in itself a form of travel. We are able to visit different cultures, different ways of saying things and to enjoy the pleasure of moving to exotic environments. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3hCfTew

13:2016/09/2021

Learning Languages with Netflix & YouTube

Learning Languages with Netflix & YouTube

Content drives enjoyment and success in language learning. It has evolved from teachers, books, tapes, online content including mp3 files, to all the ways we can learn from videos. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/394sFhy

10:4713/09/2021

How To Choose Which Language To Learn

How To Choose Which Language To Learn

Factors that influence our choice in languages to learn include how easy it seems, how useful it seems and our interest in the language. It is the last one, interest, that I find the most motivating. ___ Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2XcM3qb

09:4410/09/2021

Learning Two Languages At Once

Learning Two Languages At Once

When starting out in a language, I prefer to focus on that language. Once I'm more advanced, I can combine it with the study of another language where I'm at a similar level. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3tiisY3

09:1906/09/2021

Don't Speak In Your Target Language

Don't Speak In Your Target Language

I did nothing in Persian for two weeks, no listening, no reading, and focused on Egyptian Arabic. When I next spoke with my Persian tutor, I did better than ever. Benign neglect.

07:2402/09/2021

Morning Routine For Language Learning

Morning Routine For Language Learning

My mornings are important. That's when each day begins. If I start each day by listening in my target language, this usually triggers further learning later in the day.

06:0530/08/2021

Loneliness In Language Learning

Loneliness In Language Learning

Language learning requires us to cut off some of our normal contacts in our own language, in order to concentrate on acquiring a new language. This can, at times, feel lonely. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/38e2LqT

06:3627/08/2021

How To Stay Focused In Our Language Learning

How To Stay Focused In Our Language Learning

We live in an age where we can easily access enormous quantities of great input material for our language learning. The downside is how easily we can be distracted. How do we deal with it?

09:4916/08/2021

How To Stay Motivated

How To Stay Motivated

Language learning depends on our motivation. But then, that is true of most things that are worthwhile doing in life. Here I talk about how to stay motivated when we're learning a new language. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3CBcu8K

08:3013/08/2021

Language Study Motivation And Repetition Q&A

Language Study Motivation And Repetition Q&A

I made a video about the importance of repetition in language learning. This generated questions from my viewers which I try to answer here. One common theme is that we need to mix in interesting compelling new content with our repetitive listening and reading. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3lKRPcv

09:3310/08/2021

The Importance Of Repetition In Language Learning

The Importance Of Repetition In Language Learning

I’m a strong supporter of Krashen’s language acquisition hypothesis and the importance of compelling input. But there is a role for repetitive listening to a limited range of content for reasons I discuss in this video. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3Ae7MvB

09:0605/08/2021

How To Make The Time To Learn Languages

How To Make The Time To Learn Languages

People tell me they have no time to learn languages. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting started. Listening is the easiest activity to use to get started learning a language. Here are some thoughts on how to go about it. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3jdGmPB

09:3202/08/2021

Language Learning Progress Videos: Why They're A Great Idea

Language Learning Progress Videos: Why They're A Great Idea

I'm 45 days into my 90-day challenge of trying to get to the next level in Persian and Arabic. I thought I would like to do a monologue in Persian. It is full of mistakes, unrehearsed. That's what makes it useful for me, to notice my gaps and as a record of my progress.

04:5830/07/2021

Polyglot Speaking In 9 Languages

Polyglot Speaking In 9 Languages

My attitude towards language learning has changed over the last 15 years. I used to think speaking a handful of languages was a big deal. I now think there's no limit to the number of languages we can learn, as long as we aren't seeking perfection. Every language we learn, even a little of, is enriching.

03:2826/07/2021

Entrepreneurs & Language Learners

Entrepreneurs & Language Learners

Entrepreneurship and language learning are connected in my mind. Both involve creating value. Learning a language creates value for oneself. Entrepreneurship is all about creating value for others. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/36UL8Ms

08:5822/07/2021

For Better Pronunciation In A Foreign Language, Work On Your Attitude

For Better Pronunciation In A Foreign Language, Work On Your Attitude

Pronouncing well doesn’t mean pronouncing perfectly, it may require deliberate effort. That was my experience when learning Mandarin and French. In subsequent languages, the pronunciation just came to me. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3rj79O4

13:0119/07/2021

Is There A Talent For Language Learning

Is There A Talent For Language Learning

When people hear me speak languages like Mandarin, Japanese, French, or Russian, or see me eagerly trying out my more limited abilities in languages like Persian, Korean or Arabic, they often tell me I’ve a talent for languages. Yet these same people don’t put the effort into learning languages that I do. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3kn0qBp

07:0915/07/2021

The Noticing Hypothesis In Language Learning

The Noticing Hypothesis In Language Learning

As we are exposed to more of a language, things we hadn’t noticed before all of a sudden appear to us. This process of noticing more and more is an important part of acquiring the language. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3xBR8Fv

09:5412/07/2021

Extensive Reading Works: And That Means Real Books

Extensive Reading Works: And That Means Real Books

Books, plain old paper books, are a vital part of my language learning strategy. Traditional books are comfortable and comforting, with less opportunities for distraction than reading on my mobile device. It helps to cover the same material in different ways, electronic and paper based. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3hrbnjB

09:4509/07/2021

Why Many People Fail At Language Learning

Why Many People Fail At Language Learning

Most language learners fail. They may pass their exams but they fail to learn to speak the language they are learning, which is generally the goal. Maybe it's time to change the goal. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3dKRmlL

08:1705/07/2021

How To Improve Your Listening Skills

How To Improve Your Listening Skills

Listening is the killer app for language learning. How do we get better at listening if we struggle to focus? Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/36iHITr

09:3201/07/2021

DO NOT Go To Language School

DO NOT Go To Language School

Most people learn languages at school. How important are they to learning a language? It depends on the individual. I wouldn't go to one but recognize that for many people they are necessary. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3A3EZdU

09:3828/06/2021

Novak Djokovic Communicates So Well In French! Even With Mistakes

Novak Djokovic Communicates So Well In French! Even With Mistakes

Languages are for communicating, not for competing with others. Novak Djokovic competes in tennis but communicates wonderfully in different languages, despite the odd mistake. ___ Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3gTEvzs

08:0325/06/2021

Critical Thinking Skills: Can They Really Be Taught?

Critical Thinking Skills: Can They Really Be Taught?

Speaking skills in a language rely on massive input, listening, and reading. Critical thinking skills rely on knowledge of the subject matter, acquired through massive input, reading, and listening. I don't think these skills can be taught without massive input. ___ Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3iZ56wt

09:4921/06/2021

Learning Arabic and Persian: Language Challenge Week 2

Learning Arabic and Persian: Language Challenge Week 2

The most important function of a teacher, any teacher, including online language teachers, is to either feed the enthusiasm of the student or, where that is lacking, to trigger and inspire the desire to learn. Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3iOYeSk

07:5018/06/2021

How To Learn A Language The LAZY Way

How To Learn A Language The LAZY Way

Can we be lazy and learn languages? I think so. Here are my seven hints on how to be a successful yet lazy language learner.

07:1014/06/2021

Learning Arabic & Persian Language Challenge Week 1

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

08:4210/06/2021