Learn Languages with 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!

Episodes

AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it

July 3, 2025 • 10 mins

In this video, I share why I'm optimistic about the future of language learning and how we can use tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM to create our own learning materials.

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Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)

June 26, 2025 • 6 mins

In this video, I talk about the role of questions in language learning—when they’re helpful, and when they can actually get in the way of enjoyable, low-stress learning.

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Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s

June 19, 2025 • 6 mins

In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages.

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Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update

June 12, 2025 • 12 mins

In this video, I talk about my experience learning Persian as well as the challenges and successes I’ve had along the way.

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How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning

June 5, 2025 • 8 mins

In this video, I share my impressions of Google's NotebookLM and discuss how I'm planning to use it for language learning.

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Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you)

May 29, 2025 • 6 mins

In this video, I talk about why I’m skeptical of language tests and their ability to accurately assess someone’s language level.

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Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?

May 22, 2025 • 6 mins

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? by Steve Kaufmann

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Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this

May 15, 2025 • 10 mins

In this video, I talk about the challenge of understanding more than you can say, and share strategies for turning passive vocabulary into active vocabulary.

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My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language

May 8, 2025 • 11 mins

In this video, I talk about key ideas from Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth and share my take on how motivation really works in language learning.

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STOP chasing perfection and START making progress

May 1, 2025 • 10 mins

In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.

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Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent

April 24, 2025 • 7 mins

In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.

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Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)

April 17, 2025 • 10 mins

In this video, I talk about how comparison can either inspire or discourage you when learning a language — and how I approach it to make sure my motivation doesn’t suffer.

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Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how ‪@BijuuMike‬ is learning Japanese

April 10, 2025 • 28 mins

In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.

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How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning

April 2, 2025 • 10 mins

In this video I talk about why we need both novelty and repetition in our language learning routine, and how to strike a balance between the two.

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Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)

March 26, 2025 • 10 mins

Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?

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Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?

March 19, 2025 • 14 mins

Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?

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Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more

March 12, 2025 • 22 mins

In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.

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My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)

March 6, 2025 • 7 mins

In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.

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How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi

February 26, 2025 • 13 mins

Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.

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10 things I never do when learning a language

February 19, 2025 • 10 mins

10 things I never do when learning a language by Steve Kaufmann

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Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)

Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s

Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update

How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning

Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you)

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?

Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this

My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language

STOP chasing perfection and START making progress

Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent

Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)

Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how ‪@BijuuMike‬ is learning Japanese

How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning

Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)

Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?

Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more

My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)

How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi

10 things I never do when learning a language

Popular Podcasts

AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it

Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)