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!
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Drawing on his adventures in Europe and Asia, as a student and businessman, Steve Kaufmann describes the rewards that come from knowing languages.
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Why extensive reading is so effective for language learning
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Have you heard of extensive reading? If not, in today's video you'll learn what it is and how I use this strategy to acquire vocabulary and grammar!By Steve Kaufmann
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What progress actually looks like in language learning
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In today's video, I discuss the role of surprise in language learning: how our progress often follows an unpredictable path, why unexpected moments help our brains absorb new information, and much more.By Steve Kaufmann
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In today's video, I discuss how many languages I really know and what it truly means to know a language.By Steve Kaufmann
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Discover the benefits of language chunks in today's video. Learn what they are, how to use them, and what teachers often get wrong about chunking!By Steve Kaufmann
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Today's video is all about learning a language as an immigrant! Learn why your language skills are crucial, how to break the language barrier, and why traditional classes are not the answer.By Steve Kaufmann
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Reading or listening: what’s the best way to learn?
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Can listening to books be as effective as reading them for learning? In this video, I'll explain why you don't have to choose just one.By Steve Kaufmann
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Stop obsessing over grammar: focus on this instead
10:55
10:55
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Is vocabulary more important than grammar? In this video, I'll explain why I believe it is and share insights on how focusing on vocabulary can boost your progress.By Steve Kaufmann
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Challenging myself to learn 100 WORDS EVERY DAY
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13:27
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In my last video, I shared my goal of learning 20,000 words before my trip to Turkey in September. Today, I'm going to show you exactly how I'm making that happen!By Steve Kaufmann
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I’ve learned 20 languages: what keeps me going?
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I reflect on my language-learning journey and discuss the importance of various types of connections: linguistic, emotional, neural, and more.By Steve Kaufmann
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Challenging myself to learn 20,000 words before my trip to Turkey
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9:19
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In today's video, I'm reflecting on what has and hasn't worked for boosting my language skills for travel and sharing my (quite ambitious!) Turkish learning plan.By Steve Kaufmann
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Speaking or comprehension: which comes first?
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10:12
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In this video, I discuss the differences between comprehensible input and the output hypothesis and explain why speaking a foreign language isn't always the same as engaging in meaningful communication.By Steve Kaufmann
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I often get asked whether it's better to focus on one language and become fluent in it or to explore many languages. In this video I talk about why I don't think there's one answer to this question.By Steve Kaufmann
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I’ve read books in 12 languages. Here’s how I do it
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Reading books has many benefits for our brain, and it's also a great way to learn a language. In this video I talk about my approach to reading in different languages and how I manage to enjoy the process despite the difficulties.By Steve Kaufmann
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Don’t memorize vocabulary. Do this instead
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16:28
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In this video I discuss some common misconceptions about language and vocabulary acquisition and share my strategy for learning vocabulary in a new language.By Steve Kaufmann
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My Arabic journey: why it’s been so difficult
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18:07
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I have been learning Arabic since 2017 and I have to admit that it hasn't been easy. In this video you'll learn why I find Arabic so challenging and what I do to keep going despite the obstacles.By Steve Kaufmann
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Technology won’t KILL language learning. It will make it more FUN
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12:48
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In this video I explain why I don't think technology will eventually kill language learning and how it has been instrumental in my learning journey.By Steve Kaufmann
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6 habits that made me a successful language learner
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12:31
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In this video, I share the six key elements that shaped my language learning journey. Find out why the usual ways might not work and how a different approach can make a big difference.By Steve Kaufmann
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Q&A with Steve Kaufmann: 1 million subscriber edition
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19:43
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To celebrate the milestone of reaching 1 million subscribers, I answer your most pressing questions about language learning. Thank you for continuing to support this channel!By Steve Kaufmann
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How U.S. diplomats learn languages | FSI language courses review
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I often get asked how long it really takes to learn a language. In this video I discuss the FSI language difficulty ranking and whether it's really possible to achieve a high level of fluency within the timelines they provide.By Steve Kaufmann
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Is there a shortcut to conversational fluency?
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10:15
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Ever wondered if rapid conversational fluency is just a myth? In this video I share my opinion and lay out the roadmap to genuine conversational skills.By Steve Kaufmann
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No Intentes Dominar Lo Básico Del Idioma Mejor Haz Esto
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In this video, I explain why trying to master the basics of a language is not a good idea.By Steve Kaufmann
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To improve in a language… take a break from it
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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.By Steve Kaufmann
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Always tired? Then this video is for you! Here I share 6 tips to boost your physical and mental energy.By Steve Kaufmann
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Should you learn similar languages? Pros and cons
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In today's video I discuss the pros and cons of learning similar languages. Join in on the discussion in the comments!By Steve Kaufmann
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Should we strive to THINK in a foreign language?
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The topic of thinking in the language we are learning comes up all the time. In this video I talk about why we shouldn't force the process and why thinking in the language does not guarantee fluency.By Steve Kaufmann
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2023 is almost over and I wanted to share my plans for 2024 as well as some advice for those of you who will be starting or continuing to learn languages next year.By Steve Kaufmann
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Aramaic, Greek and Latin: a linguistic history of Christmas
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5:28
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What connects Christmas, Christianity and languages? In this video I discuss the origins of Christianity, its global spread, and the languages spoken during its early days.By Steve Kaufmann
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Do I agree with @JustinSung's language-learning advice?
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@JustinSung is someone I follow and find very knowledgeable when it comes to learning. But is his language learning advice as good as his videos on general studying? Let's find out.By Steve Kaufmann
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Why I stopped studying grammar (and what I do instead)
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9:53
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In this video, I talk about why grammar instruction is not as important as we are taught to think and why you're better off focusing on reading, listening, and speaking.By Steve Kaufmann
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6 Tips To Become A Better Reader In Any Language
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9:31
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In this week’s video I about why reading is so important for language learners and how to use technology to supercharge your reading skills.By Steve Kaufmann
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Do I agree with @IAmMarkManson's language learning advice?
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Some recently suggested that I give my opinion on language-learning advice from bestselling author @IAmMarkManson.By Steve Kaufmann
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Lazy language learning has been a hot topic lately. In this video, Steve explains why he considers lazy learning to be the best approach to learning a language, even if some researchers say otherwise.By Steve Kaufmann
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You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Become Fluent
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5:38
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This week’s video is all about perfectionism. I talk about why, where, when and how language learners should or shouldn’t pursue perfection.By Steve Kaufmann
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STOP Making These EXCUSES Not to Learn a Language
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I received a comment recently, saying that learning languages as an older person is almost an impossible task. As someone who has learned 10 languages after turning 60, here’s what I think about the topic.By Steve Kaufmann
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In this video I talk to @JForrestEnglish about the most common mindset mistakes language learners make.By Steve Kaufmann
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Improve Your Reading and Listening Skills With This Strategy
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6:48
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I often get asked whether it's better to listen or read first. In this video, I talk about my approach to improving listening and reading comprehension and explain why it's important to adapt your strategy to your level.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to REALLY Increase Your IELTS, TOEIC & TOEFL Scores
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Standard language tests exist for many languages. IELTS, TOEFl and TEOIC are some of the best known tests for English. Keith, of Keith's Speaking Academy, is an expert on these tests and how to prepare. ✅ Learn more in this interview with him.By Steve Kaufmann
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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Tips From ‘Make It Stick’
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Many people try to read and reread things to force them into their brains through massed practice. 🛑 This is not the best way to learn things!📚 We need to learn how to learn, as described in the book "Make Things Stick" by Peter C. Brown. In this video I share with you the most helpful tips and information.…
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Learning Styles Are a Myth! This is How EVERYONE Learns Languages
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5:55
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🦄 Think you are a “visual,” “auditory,” "book," or “kinesthetic” learner? Think again! According to psychologists Cedar Riener and Daniel Willingham in their 2010 paper “The Myth of Learning Styles,” “There is no credible evidence that learning styles exist.”In this video, I explain more about why learning styles are a myth and the universal ways i…
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Don’t Always Do the Same Thing When Studying a Language
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🚀 In this video, I share what I do at various levels in the language learning journey and the best way to get up to the delightful upper-intermediate stage where your fluency really starts to take off.By Steve Kaufmann
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Gigachad Polyglot LanguageSimp Gets Serious About Languages
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14:48
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🙀 Popular entertainer and polyglot @LanguageSimp joins me to talk about why language learning should be fun and how he got started in languages, TikTok, and YouTube. He also teaches this 77-year-old language grandpa the meaning of the Gen Z term "simp" (it is NOT what I assumed)...By Steve Kaufmann
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Can You Speak a Foreign Language Well Without Studying Grammar?
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📚 In this video, I explain the best way to improve your speaking skills, why vocabulary tends to be more important than grammar, why second-guessing grammar harms your ability to communicate, and why you don't need to STUDY grammar rules to correctly FOLLOW them.By Steve Kaufmann
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Will a Spaced Repetition System (SRS) Help You Learn a Language Faster?
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⏳ Some people swear by "spaced repetition systems" (SRS). Others think they are waste of time.What's my take? I've learned 20 languages so far in my life, but have only relied on spaced repetition for a few specific needs in language learning. Watch on to see what those use cases are and what approach I think is generally more effective than using …
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3 Reasons You Should Learn Languages the Natural Way
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5:54
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🧠 The brain acquires languages through lots exposure of input, NOT the conscious memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary. This is a good news! In this video, I share 3 major benefits of learning languages in a natural, non-rules-based way.By Steve Kaufmann
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👶 Everyone knows that children are better language learners, right? Well, the truth is not so simple...While children do have SOME advantages when it comes to language learning (e.g. pronunciation), we adults run circles around the little ones in other ways!In this video, I detail the similarities and differences between first and second language a…
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📖 If we want to speak a language fluently, we first have to memorize a bunch of rules, right? Wrong!🧠 It turns out that our brains will automatically internalize a language's underlying patterns when we get enough exposure and practice. So instead of spending all your time memorizing rules, focus on reading and listening. This approach is more natu…
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What is the Key to Success in Language Learning & Life?
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🚪 Languages can unlock doors you never even knew existed, but you first have to reach out and turn the handle. The doors won't open themselves.Don't overthink decisions. Just take action and see where the language learning adventure leads you!I've made a number of pivotal decisions that completely changed the trajectory of my life, languages, and c…
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Why Are Some Languages Harder to Learn Than Others? 2 Polyglots Share Their Experience
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❓What is the most difficult language to learn?The short answer? It depends!The difficulty of a language depends on a number of critical factors, 6 of which I share in this video. I also explain why certain languages tend to be more difficult than others, and why ONE language has been particularly challenging for me.Later in the video, I am joined b…
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Is Korean Hard to Learn? It Has Been for Me! Here's Why…
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I’ve learned 20 languages so far, and I usually enjoy the process. But Korean has been a real struggle for me. In this video, I explain why it’s been such a challenge and where I went wrong.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to Read 1 Million Words a Year in Your Target Language
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📚 Elon Musk allegedly reads 2 books a DAY! That's over 37 million words a year! (For comparison, the average person finishes only 14 books a YEAR.)By Steve Kaufmann
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