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Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

417 episodes — Page 2 of 9

Comfortable but not fluent: my honest Persian update

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

Jun 12, 202512 min

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

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

Jun 5, 20258 min

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

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

May 29, 20256 min

Intensive vs. extensive reading: which is better?

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

May 22, 20256 min

Understand everything but still can't speak? Watch this

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.

May 15, 202510 min

My 7 tips for staying motivated when learning a language

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.

May 8, 202511 min

STOP chasing perfection and START making progress

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

May 1, 202510 min

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

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

Apr 24, 20257 min

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

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.

Apr 17, 202510 min

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

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

Apr 10, 202528 min

How I balance novelty and repetition in language learning

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.

Apr 3, 202510 min

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

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

Mar 27, 202510 min

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

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

Mar 20, 202514 min

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

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

Mar 13, 202522 min

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

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

Mar 7, 20257 min

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

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

Feb 27, 202513 min

10 things I never do when learning a language

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

Feb 20, 202510 min

How I actually use LingQ to learn languages

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.

Feb 13, 20259 min

Start a language from scratch (the natural way)

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

Feb 6, 202511 min

How to revive a language you’ve forgotten

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.

Jan 30, 202516 min

4 mindset pillars for language learners

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

Jan 24, 202510 min

6 reasons I still buy language books in 2025

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

Jan 16, 20258 min

7 reasons to listen before you read

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

Jan 9, 20258 min

New Year’s resolution: goal or commitment?

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

Jan 3, 20259 min

The neuroscience behind sticking to your resolutions

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.

Dec 26, 20249 min

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

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

Dec 20, 202448 min

How to use YouTube to boost your language skills

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.

Dec 12, 202412 min

STOP doing these 7 things to START crushing your language goals

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

Dec 5, 202413 min

10x your vocabulary growth with this language challenge

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.

Nov 28, 20247 min

How to pick the right language book for self-study

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

Nov 21, 202416 min

5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language

5 ways to improve your pronunciation in any language by Steve Kaufmann

Nov 14, 202411 min

The best app for learning a language on your own

LingQ 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.

Nov 7, 202414 min

How much Turkish did I learn in 7 months? Traveling to Turkey

Curious 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.

Nov 1, 202420 min

10 tips for managing your time as a language learner

In this video, I’m sharing 10 tips to help you make the most of your time when learning a language.

Oct 24, 20248 min

How to learn any Romance language

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.

Oct 17, 202413 min

Develop a reading habit in 5 simple steps

I've talked about the benefits of reading many times before—today, I’m sharing how to turn it into a lasting habit.

Oct 10, 202411 min

7 tips for speaking better in any language

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.

Oct 3, 20249 min

How to find the perfect language tutor

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.

Sep 26, 202411 min

Are there problems with being a polyglot?

In this video, I discuss the pros and cons of learning many languages, from cultural connections to language interference.

Sep 19, 202410 min

80/20 rule: learn any language with the Pareto principle

In 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.

Sep 12, 202410 min

How to learn languages with ChatGPT

In today's video, I talk about how I'm using ChatGPT to learn languages with a focus on comprehensible input.

Sep 5, 20246 min

The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages

The entrepreneur’s guide to learning languages by Steve Kaufmann

Aug 29, 20248 min

Why extensive reading is so effective for language learning

Have 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!

Aug 22, 202410 min

What progress actually looks like in language learning

In 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.

Aug 15, 20245 min

Do I really know 20 languages?

In today's video, I discuss how many languages I really know and what it truly means to know a language.

Aug 8, 20247 min

Chunking: the secret to fluency?

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!

Aug 1, 20247 min

Essential language tips for immigrants

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.

Jul 25, 202412 min

Reading or listening: what’s the best way to learn?

Can 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.

Jul 18, 20248 min

Stop obsessing over grammar: focus on this instead

Is 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.

Jul 11, 202410 min

Challenging myself to learn 100 WORDS EVERY DAY

In 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!

Jul 4, 202413 min