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!

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: blog.thelinguist.com

Author

Steve Kaufmann

Category

Education

Podcast website

blog.thelinguist.com

Latest episode

Oct 22, 2026

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Episodes

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.

4 mindset pillars for language learners 24.01.2025

In this video, I discuss the concept of cultural weightlessness and share how Taoist philosophy has shaped my language learning journey.

6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025 16.01.2025

In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.

7 reasons to listen before you read 09.01.2025

In this video, I share 7 reasons why I prefer listening before reading when learning a new language.

New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? 03.01.2025

New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? by Steve Kaufmann

The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions 26.12.2024

As 2025 approaches, I wanted to explore how personal traits influence our plans and actions — and why it’s important to consider them when making New Year’s resolutions.

This Italian polyglot speaks 15 languages. What’s his secret? (feat. ‪@LucaLampariello‬) 20.12.2024

In this video, my friend ‪@LucaLampariello‬ and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.

How to use YouTube to boost your language skills 12.12.2024

In this video, I share why I believe YouTube is the best platform for learning languages and how both teachers and students can make the most of it.

STOP doing these 7 things to START crushing your language goals 05.12.2024

In this video, I share 7 things to stop doing right now to avoid hindering your language learning progress and start enjoying the process.

10x your vocabulary growth with this language challenge 28.11.2024

In this video, I share my personal experience with reading in different languages and explain why reading a book is an important milestone for a language learner.

How to pick the right language book for self-study 21.11.2024

In this video I share my experience with language textbooks and some tips on how to choose the right one.

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