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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Focusing on the most common words WON’T make you fluent
7:37
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7:37In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.By Steve Kaufmann
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Don’t compare yourself to other language learners (do this instead)
10:30
10:30
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10:30In 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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Anime, LingQ, and motivation: how @BijuuMike is learning Japanese
28:35
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28:35In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.By Steve Kaufmann
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How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning
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10:14In 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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Why I don’t use spaced repetition (and what I do instead)
10:47
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10:47Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?By Steve Kaufmann
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Polyglot reacts: How good is Mark Carney’s French?
14:45
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14:45Canada has a new Prime Minister—but how good is his French?By Steve Kaufmann
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Explaining LingQ to a linguistics student: AI, dialects, gamification and more
22:07
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22:07In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.By Steve Kaufmann
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My daily goal for language learning (and why it works)
7:12
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7:12In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to learn a completely unfamiliar language: my first steps in Punjabi
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13:27Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.By Steve Kaufmann
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10 things I never do when learning a language
10:39
10:39
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10:3910 things I never do when learning a language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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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.By Steve Kaufmann
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Start a language from scratch (the natural way)
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11:58In this video, I share how to start learning a language from scratch in a way that aligns with how our brains naturally learn.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to revive a language you’ve forgotten
16:03
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16:03Worried 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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In this video, I discuss the concept of cultural weightlessness and share how Taoist philosophy has shaped my language learning journey.By Steve Kaufmann
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6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025
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8:13In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.By Steve Kaufmann
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In this video, I share 7 reasons why I prefer listening before reading when learning a new language.By Steve Kaufmann
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New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment? by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions
9:33
9:33
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9:33As 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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This Italian polyglot speaks 15 languages. What’s his secret? (feat. @LucaLampariello)
48:26
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48:26In this video, my friend @LucaLampariello and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to use YouTube to boost your language skills
12:48
12:48
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12:48In 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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STOP doing these 7 things to START crushing your language goals
13:09
13:09
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13:09In this video, I share 7 things to stop doing right now to avoid hindering your language learning progress and start enjoying the process.By Steve Kaufmann
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10x your vocabulary growth with this language challenge
7:02
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7:02In 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.By Steve Kaufmann
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How to pick the right language book for self-study
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16:02In this video I share my experience with language textbooks and some tips on how to choose the right one.By Steve Kaufmann
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5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language
11:24
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11:245 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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The best app for learning a language on your own
14:12
14:12
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14:12LingQ was recently recognized as the most effective language learning app by an independent research organization. In this video, I talk about what sets LingQ apart from other apps and methods.By Steve Kaufmann
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How much Turkish did I learn in 7 months? Traveling to Turkey
20:27
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20:27Curious about the progress you can make in 7 months of intensive language study? In this video, I’m sharing my experience traveling to Turkey after seven months of Turkish study.By Steve Kaufmann
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10 tips for managing your time as a language learner
8:20
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8:20In this video, I’m sharing 10 tips to help you make the most of your time when learning a language.By Steve Kaufmann
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I discovered my passion for French as a university student, and since then, I’ve learned not only French but also Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese. In this video, I share my approach to learning Romance languages.By Steve Kaufmann
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Develop a reading habit in 5 simple steps
11:42
11:42
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11:42I've talked about the benefits of reading many times before—today, I’m sharing how to turn it into a lasting habit.By Steve Kaufmann
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Struggling to speak fluently in a foreign language? In this video I share 7 practical tips that will help you communicate better without stressing over grammar or pronunciation.By Steve Kaufmann
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Throughout my language-learning journey, I've had many good tutors. In this video, I’ll highlight the 6 key qualities that make a tutor truly exceptional.By Steve Kaufmann
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Are there problems with being a polyglot?
10:27
10:27
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10:27In this video, I discuss the pros and cons of learning many languages, from cultural connections to language interference.By Steve Kaufmann
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80/20 rule: learn any language with the Pareto principle
10:32
10:32
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10:32In this video, I discuss the 80/20 rule and how it applies to language learning. I'll explain why I don’t worry about high-frequency words and how balancing big-picture input with focused study has been helping me make progress in Turkish.By Steve Kaufmann
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In today's video, I talk about how I'm using ChatGPT to learn languages with a focus on comprehensible input.By Steve Kaufmann
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The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages
8:59
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8:59The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages by Steve KaufmannBy Steve Kaufmann
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Why extensive reading is so effective for language learning
10:22
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10:22Have 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
5:29
5:29
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5:29In 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?
8:14
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8:14Can 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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10:55Is 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
13:27
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13:27In 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?
10:37
10:37
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10:37I 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
9:19
9:19
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9:19In 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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10:12In 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
16:39
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16:39Reading 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
16:28
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16:28In 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
18:07
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18:07I 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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