Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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