Steve Kaufmann

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!

Author

Steve Kaufmann

Category

Education

Podcast website

blog.thelinguist.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right 17.07.2025

Will ChatGPT make us forget how to think? Not if you use it right by Steve Kaufmann

Struggle with language anxiety? Try this approach 10.07.2025

Language anxiety is real, but you can beat it. This simple formula helps.

AI won’t REPLACE language learning, but it WILL CHANGE it 03.07.2025

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.

Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them) 26.06.2025

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.

Why I’m still learning languages in my 70s 19.06.2025

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

Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update 12.06.2025

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

How I'm using NotebookLM to power up my language learning 05.06.2025

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

Why I don’t trust language tests (and neither should you) 29.05.2025

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

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better? 22.05.2025

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

Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this 15.05.2025

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.

My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language 08.05.2025

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.

STOP chasing perfection and START making progress 01.05.2025

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

Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent 24.04.2025

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

Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead) 17.04.2025

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.

Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how ‪@BijuuMike‬ is learning Japanese 10.04.2025

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

How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning 03.04.2025

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.

Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead) 27.03.2025

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

Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French? 20.03.2025

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

Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more 13.03.2025

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

My daily goal for language learning (and why it works) 07.03.2025

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

How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi 27.02.2025

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

10 things I never do when learning a language 20.02.2025

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

How I actually use LingQ to learn languages 13.02.2025

Motivation, time, and the ability to notice are all key to language learning. In this video, I share how I use LingQ to make the most of all three.

Start a language from scratch (the natural way) 06.02.2025

In this video, I share how to start learning a language from scratch in a way that aligns with how our brains naturally learn.

How to revive a language you’ve forgotten 30.01.2025

Worried you’ve forgotten a language? Reviving it might be easier than you think! In this video, I share my step-by-step plan and discuss my experiences with Turkish, Arabic, and Persian over the years.

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