Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann: Recent Episodes
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!
Reading is a huge part of how I learn languages, but it is not equally easy in every language. In Spanish or Turkish I can sound out almost any word the first time I see it. In Arabic and Persian I often cannot, so I read those online where I can hear the word pronounced. The writing system changes the whole shape of my routine. Which language has been the hardest for you to read?
Friction is what reduces our enjoyment of language learning, so in this video I go through the nine forms it takes and what I do about each one.
Should you focus on words or grammar? Here's how I approach grammar as an input-based learner, and why most corrections never stick.
In this video I'll you how I'm getting ready for my trip to Portugal by using point-of-view stories, circling questions, and AI to create custom lessons.
Today I want to talk about the fifth language skill — the one nobody teaches alongside reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and the one that might matter just as much.
Today I want to talk about the state of flow — that feeling of being completely absorbed in what you're doing — and how you can use it to become a better language learner.
Vocabulary is the clearest measure of your level in any language, so here is how I acquire and review words, and why I skip most of the popular methods.
At 80, I'm still learning languages every day, and I'm convinced it does more for your brain than any Sudoku puzzle ever could.
Everyone says you have to leave your comfort zone to learn a language, but is it really true?
I started learning Mandarin in 1968 with flashcards and reel-to-reel tapes, and here is what I would do differently today.
Today I want to talk about learning slowly — and why if you accept that learning a language takes time, learning slowly actually gets you there faster.
After an hour of focused reading in Persian, I felt my grasp of the language jump forward, and it reminded me why reading is the most powerful tool we have for acquiring a new language.
Most adult language learners are chasing a goal they're unlikely to reach, and I want to share what I think we should focus on instead.
There are three stages of comprehension in any new language. Early on, you barely understand anything — and that's fine. The goal at that stage isn't comprehension; it's letting your brain pick up the patterns. Then comes the long middle stretch where you're learning words but listening still feels patchy, until one day you notice you understand more than you used to. Where are you right now?
I've been chipping away at Arabic for years, and I recently sat down with Hasan Alhamwi, the founder of Arabic All The Time. He left a career in civil engineering to build the largest library of Arabic comprehensible input on the internet. We talked about why videos beat textbooks for Arabic, when learners should finally start reading, and whether all those dialects are really one language or many. If you're learning Arabic, what's giving you the most trouble?
I asked AI what the most important element in language learning is, and the answer surprised me — here's why it comes down to time.
Every time I watch interviews from places like Budapest, I'm struck by how well young Europeans speak English. It isn't because their schools suddenly got better — I don't think classroom instruction has changed much at all. What changed is access. The internet, social media, YouTube, and streaming platforms mean people are surrounded by English all day, and that lowers the friction while raising the motivation. I think the same forces are starting to spread to other languages, and speaking three languages could soon be completely normal. Where did most of your language exposure actually come from — school, or something else?
Flashcards feel like progress. But are they actually helping you learn a language — or just keeping you busy?
The CEO of Air Canada spent 550 hours studying French over six years — and still couldn't speak it. Here's why traditional language learning fails, and what actually works.
Duolingo has 135 million users — but most of them aren't using it as the gateway to real language learning that it can be.
After learning Japanese in Tokyo in 1971 and speaking it for over 50 years, I share the five things I'd do differently today.
AI is transforming every industry — but if education doesn't rethink its broken model first, AI will just make a flawed system faster.
In this video, I share my science-based daily language learning routine and break down why it works.
In this video, I explore the phenomenon of brain rot and how language learning can help you combat it.
In this video, I break down five common grammar misconceptions that hold language learners back.
In this video, I explain why focusing less on improving the language itself and more on learning something genuinely interesting can be the key to finally reaching fluency.
In this video, I break down common difficulties German learners have and what you can do about them.
In this video, I explore how (and whether) Stoic philosophy can be applied to language learning.
In this video, I compare intensity and perseverance in language learning and explain why both matter.
In this video, I share my four C's—the things that have helped me learn 20 languages over the years.
In this video, I talk about how language learners can combine their interests with the power of AI to create comprehensible input.
In this video, I sit down with Kyle from @pensandoingles6884 to talk about the struggles English and Spanish learners face, learning through comprehensible input, and how AI-generated content can support language learning.
What speaking 8 languages actually looks like (feat. @gabrielunlocks) by Steve Kaufmann
In this video, I discuss the possibilities and limitations of AI for language learning.
In this video, I walk you through my best tips for improving your French pronunciation.
In this video, I talk about why curiosity is the biggest driver in my own language learning — and what the research says about it.
Join me for a conversation with Geneviève Breton, a passionate French teacher from Quebec, recorded during my trip to the province in October. We talked about language, culture, and what makes learning French in Quebec so unique.
In this video, I discuss the cognitive load theory and how it can be applied to language learning to make it easier and more enjoyable.
Dans cette vidéo, j’explique pourquoi l’apprentissage des langues est souvent rendu plus difficile qu’il ne devrait l’être, et comment arrêter de le compliquer inutilement.
In this video, I talk with Jon Hamilton, a former Green Beret, about language learning and how physical training relates to mastering new languages.
In this video, I explain why language learning is often made harder than it needs to be and how to stop overcomplicating it.
In this video I discuss the importance of noticing in language learning and whether it's something we can deliberately train.
In this video, I talk about automaticity in language learning—why it matters for speaking and how you can develop it.
In this video I discuss how the complexity theory can be applied to language learning and how even the smallest interaction can make a big difference.
In this video, I share advice I received from pro golfer Drew Jones that I believe will help anyone learning languages.
In this video, I talk about what it really means to “know” a word, why forgetting is normal, and the simple steps I use to remember and retrieve vocabulary.
In this video, I share how we can use the concept of leading and lagging indicators to set better goals in language learning.
In this video, I explain why our motivation to learn a language can fade—and how shifting your mindset can help you stay focused on long-term progress.
In this video, I talk about how we choose which language to learn—and what factors are worth considering.
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.
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.
In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages.
In this video, I talk about my experience learning Persian as well as the challenges and successes I’ve had along the way.
In this video, I share my impressions of Google's NotebookLM and discuss how I'm planning to use it for language learning.
In this video, I talk about why I’m skeptical of language tests and their ability to accurately assess someone’s language level.
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.
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.
In this video I talk about why perfectionism has no place in language learning and how our brains actually use mistakes to learn.
In this video, I discuss the importance of acquiring low-frequency vocabulary and share my approach to learning less common words.
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.
In this video, I talk with Mike—a Japanese learner and LingQ user—about the challenges of learning Japanese and his personal journey.
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.
Repetition is a key part of language learning, but how can you make it truly effective?
In this video, I answer questions about AI, explicit grammar study, and gamification in language learning.
In this video, I talk about how focusing on understanding first sets me up for better speaking skills down the road.
Is immersion-based learning effective for completely unfamiliar languages? I think so! Watch as I take on Punjabi with LingQ in my latest video.
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.
In this video, I share how to start learning a language from scratch in a way that aligns with how our brains naturally learn.
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.
In this video, I discuss the concept of cultural weightlessness and share how Taoist philosophy has shaped my language learning journey.
In this video, I explore the advantages and disadvantages of using paper books for language learning.
In this video, I share 7 reasons why I prefer listening before reading when learning a new language.
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.
In this video, my friend @LucaLampariello and I explore how input, pronunciation, and mindset shape language learning success.
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.
In this video, I share 7 things to stop doing right now to avoid hindering your language learning progress and start enjoying the process.
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.
In this video I share my experience with language textbooks and some tips on how to choose the right one.
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.
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.
In this video, I’m sharing 10 tips to help you make the most of your time when learning a 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.
I've talked about the benefits of reading many times before—today, I’m sharing how to turn it into a lasting habit.
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.
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.
In this video, I discuss the pros and cons of learning many languages, from cultural connections to language interference.
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.
In today's video, I talk about how I'm using ChatGPT to learn languages with a focus on comprehensible input.
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!
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.
In today's video, I discuss how many languages I really know and what it truly means to know a language.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
I reflect on my language-learning journey and discuss the importance of various types of connections: linguistic, emotional, neural, and more.
In 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.
In 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.
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.
Reading 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.
In this video I discuss some common misconceptions about language and vocabulary acquisition and share my strategy for learning vocabulary in a new language.
I 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.
In this video I explain why I don't think technology will eventually kill language learning and how it has been instrumental in my learning journey.
In this video, I share the six key elements that shaped my language learning journey. Find out why the usual ways might not work and how a different approach can make a big difference.
To celebrate the milestone of reaching 1 million subscribers, I answer your most pressing questions about language learning. Thank you for continuing to support this channel!
I often get asked how long it really takes to learn a language. In this video I discuss the FSI language difficulty ranking and whether it's really possible to achieve a high level of fluency within the timelines they provide.
Ever wondered if rapid conversational fluency is just a myth? In this video I share my opinion and lay out the roadmap to genuine conversational skills.
In this video, I explain why trying to master the basics of a language is not a good idea.
In my last video, I talked about how to boost your energy levels. This video is all about rest and why taking a break from a language can help you recuperate energy and motivation.
Always tired? Then this video is for you! Here I share 6 tips to boost your physical and mental energy.
In today's video I discuss the pros and cons of learning similar languages. Join in on the discussion in the comments!
The topic of thinking in the language we are learning comes up all the time. In this video I talk about why we shouldn't force the process and why thinking in the language does not guarantee fluency.
2023 is almost over and I wanted to share my plans for 2024 as well as some advice for those of you who will be starting or continuing to learn languages next year.
What connects Christmas, Christianity and languages? In this video I discuss the origins of Christianity, its global spread, and the languages spoken during its early days.
@JustinSung is someone I follow and find very knowledgeable when it comes to learning. But is his language learning advice as good as his videos on general studying? Let's find out.
In this video, I talk about why grammar instruction is not as important as we are taught to think and why you're better off focusing on reading, listening, and speaking.
In this week’s video I about why reading is so important for language learners and how to use technology to supercharge your reading skills.
Some recently suggested that I give my opinion on language-learning advice from bestselling author @IAmMarkManson.
Lazy language learning has been a hot topic lately. In this video, Steve explains why he considers lazy learning to be the best approach to learning a language, even if some researchers say otherwise.
This week’s video is all about perfectionism. I talk about why, where, when and how language learners should or shouldn’t pursue perfection.
I received a comment recently, saying that learning languages as an older person is almost an impossible task. As someone who has learned 10 languages after turning 60, here’s what I think about the topic.
In this video I talk to @JForrestEnglish about the most common mindset mistakes language learners make.
I often get asked whether it's better to listen or read first. In this video, I talk about my approach to improving listening and reading comprehension and explain why it's important to adapt your strategy to your level.
Standard language tests exist for many languages. IELTS, TOEFl and TEOIC are some of the best known tests for English. Keith, of Keith's Speaking Academy, is an expert on these tests and how to prepare. ✅ Learn more in this interview with him.
Many people try to read and reread things to force them into their brains through massed practice. 🛑 This is not the best way to learn things!📚 We need to learn how to learn, as described in the book "Make Things Stick" by Peter C. Brown. In this video I share with you the most helpful tips and information.
🦄 Think you are a “visual,” “auditory,” "book," or “kinesthetic” learner? Think again! According to psychologists Cedar Riener and Daniel Willingham in their 2010 paper “The Myth of Learning Styles,” “There is no credible evidence that learning styles exist.”In this video, I explain more about why learning styles are a myth and the universal ways in which we ALL acquire languages (regardless of learning preferences).
🚀 In this video, I share what I do at various levels in the language learning journey and the best way to get up to the delightful upper-intermediate stage where your fluency really starts to take off.
🙀 Popular entertainer and polyglot @LanguageSimp joins me to talk about why language learning should be fun and how he got started in languages, TikTok, and YouTube. He also teaches this 77-year-old language grandpa the meaning of the Gen Z term "simp" (it is NOT what I assumed)...
📚 In this video, I explain the best way to improve your speaking skills, why vocabulary tends to be more important than grammar, why second-guessing grammar harms your ability to communicate, and why you don't need to STUDY grammar rules to correctly FOLLOW them.
⏳ Some people swear by "spaced repetition systems" (SRS). Others think they are waste of time.What's my take? I've learned 20 languages so far in my life, but have only relied on spaced repetition for a few specific needs in language learning. Watch on to see what those use cases are and what approach I think is generally more effective than using an SRS app.
🧠 The brain acquires languages through lots exposure of input, NOT the conscious memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary. This is a good news! In this video, I share 3 major benefits of learning languages in a natural, non-rules-based way.
👶 Everyone knows that children are better language learners, right? Well, the truth is not so simple...
While children do have SOME advantages when it comes to language learning (e.g. pronunciation), we adults run circles around the little ones in other ways!
In this video, I detail the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition and the various linguistic and psychological advantages and disadvantages held by babies and adults.
📖 If we want to speak a language fluently, we first have to memorize a bunch of rules, right? Wrong!
🧠 It turns out that our brains will automatically internalize a language's underlying patterns when we get enough exposure and practice. So instead of spending all your time memorizing rules, focus on reading and listening. This approach is more natural AND more fun.
To be clear, I am not saying that you shouldn't use proper grammar in your target language. Syntax certainly DOES matter. What I am saying is that you will naturally pick up the correct patterns with time. As polyglot Barry Farber put it, "You do not have to KNOW grammar to OBEY grammar.”
🚪 Languages can unlock doors you never even knew existed, but you first have to reach out and turn the handle. The doors won't open themselves.
Don't overthink decisions. Just take action and see where the language learning adventure leads you!
I've made a number of pivotal decisions that completely changed the trajectory of my life, languages, and career...
Hopping on a Europe-bound ship at age 19.
Switching my major to Political Science and then studying in Paris.
Moving to Hong Kong to learn Mandarin in the late 1960s.
I could have easily overthought these decisions and decided otherwise. But the key is that I made a decision and took action.
Just do it!
❓What is the most difficult language to learn?
The short answer? It depends!
The difficulty of a language depends on a number of critical factors, 6 of which I share in this video. I also explain why certain languages tend to be more difficult than others, and why ONE language has been particularly challenging for me.
Later in the video, I am joined by the Chinese polyglot Zoe from @zoe.languages. It turns out that she has ALSO found this same language to be the most difficult one out of the 6 she has learned, despite our different native languages...
I’ve learned 20 languages so far, and I usually enjoy the process. But Korean has been a real struggle for me. In this video, I explain why it’s been such a challenge and where I went wrong.
📚 Elon Musk allegedly reads 2 books a DAY! That's over 37 million words a year! (For comparison, the average person finishes only 14 books a YEAR.)
Some people argue that you must work with a teacher to get fluent in a language, others claim that teachers are unnecessary and that you can learn on your own. So which is correct? Like most things in language learning (and life!) the answer isn’t black and white.
I have been learning languages for over 50 years. In this time there is one development in particular that has allowed me to learn more efficiently and given me access to new worlds of meaningful and interesting content: the MP3.
I like analogies, they help us understand. An analogy I thought of recently was how our knowledge of a language is like an iceberg: what we can produce or think we know at any given moment is just the tip of the iceberg and there is deep familiarity with the language underneath.
When do we know a word? Who cares? Just keep pumping words into your brain. Keep on actively pursuing words. That’s what we measure at LingQ. How many words you have grabbed and thrown into your brain. How many stick or when they stick is largely out of our control.
Language immersion doesn’t depend so much on where you are, although it can. It depends more on your attitude towards the language you are learning, and your actions as a learner.
Some people are afraid to speak in their target language. It needn’t happen. We can prepare for speaking. We can recognize speaking as a part of our learning process, not a performance to be judged by others.
The journey is the reward. As long as you are actively engaged with your target language, listening, reading, speaking or writing, in ways that you find meaningful and enjoyable, you will achieve your goals.
Travelling around Poland has made me realize that there is always more to a place than initially meets the eye. This is true for cities and also languages. When we start exploring a language we see that what we thought was the big picture was only a part of it. I love this about the language learning journey!
We need to be patient when learning languages. We will learn and forget, learn and forget over and over again. This isn’t a sign of failure but rather the natural way we learn new things. Relax into it and you will be successful.
I have always been interested in the origins of languages and the differences between languages. In my latest video I explore some world languages that share a lot in common and try to answer the question “what is a language?“.
Beginner material needs to contain lots of high frequency words and these words should repeat many times within one lesson. There should also be many lessons. The Mini Stores at LingQ check all these boxes. Watch my latest video to find out more about this fantastic beginner course and why I use it when I start out in a new language.
It’s easy to get caught up in negative thinking when learning a new language: I make so many mistakes, my speaking is so unnatural, I don’t understand when people speak to me, etc. What if we chose to break away from that thinking and believe instead that these things are part of the process and nothing to worry about? What if we chose to focus on the good instead of the “bad”?
Should seniors pay more taxes? We are, generally speaking, a bigger burden on the health system. My answer might surprise you…
To succeed in learning foreign languages, we need to be resourceful, taking advantage of people around us, and what the internet offers us. Iclal of Istanbul is an inspiring example.
Language learning isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to made more difficult. In this video I go over the 10 most common mistakes language learners make that I have noticed over the decades. Would you add any?
Many people are put off learning languages because they think it is difficult to do. Language educators often don’t help, but instead complicate the process with jargon, seeking to describe the minute details of the natural and enjoyable process of language acquisition.
It is so important to stay curious and keep learning new things as you age. I have most certainly found this to be the case. I don’t just learn languages, I am curious about many topics and I feed this curiosity every day.
Learning a language means leaving the comfort of your native language and confronting the challenges of a new language and its uncertainty. Call it the learning zone. How do we make it more comfortable?
People often ask me which language they should learn and my answer is always the same: learn the language you are keenest to learn. Even if you learn for a few months then move on to another language, you don’t lose what you gained. Enjoy the language buffet!
Feli is from Germany but lives in the US. She talks a lot about cultural differences on her YouTube channel “Feli from Germany”. There are things she prefers about the US, and some things, not so much, like “ghosting”, a term I had never heard of before this chat.
When I learn a language, I also learn the history of the country. I am transported to that area. I gain a new outlook on the world. It’s a process I always enjoy and am in no hurry to end. In fact, in language learning, the process is the reward.
For a long time I have been convinced that the simplest and most reliable indicator of our potential and our level in a language is how many words we know. Learning words ought to be a pleasant task at the heart of language learning.
There are various ways ChatGPT can assist in language learning: Duolingo seems to have enlisted ChatGPT mostly for error correction and role playing. These are not areas of interest to me. However, these activities could help lessen the workload of teachers.
Elon Musk apparently believes that Neuralink, a computer chip that can be implanted in the brains of animals and people, will make language learning and even language obsolete. Here are my thoughts.
I will visit Denmark, Sweden and Poland, from May 17 to June 2. I’m working on my Danish, Swedish and Polish to prepare. Travel is a great motivator and stimulating, but we don’t have to leave our home country to travel. Hope to see some of you there.
When I want to improve my Italian, Davide’s Podcast Italiano channel is where I will go. The content is interesting and Davide speaks clearly and not too fast. In this my latest video I chatted with Davide about his channel and the Italian language.
To become fluent in a language takes time. It’s important not to be discouraged. Make the time you spend with the language as enjoyable and meaningful as possible and you will reach your goals.
In this video I have some fun with the hugely popular ChatGPT. Is it helpful for language learning? How can it be used with LingQ, the app I use to learn languages?
Using slang too early in your language learning can backfire. I never make slang my focus. Instead I let any slang words or phrases come naturally as I gain more and more exposure to the language.
When I start a new language, I sometimes know a related language and that helps. This is a video of me starting two languages that are not related to languages I know, Finnish and Indonesian.
Mayu has a YouTube channel called Mayu E Room. She helps Japanese people learning English. We talk about the language education system in Japan and also Mayu’s experience in the US. She studied language acquisition at Middlebury College. We speak in English and Japanese.
Do you think quizzes and tests are essential for language learning? Traditional language instruction certainly has many of us believing this to be true. In this video I explain why I don’t do quizzes, drills and tests and why you shouldn’t either.
As Aristotle said “well begun is half done”. Laozi said “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. This is true for language learning. Just getting started is half the battle, but you need to make sure you get started in the right way.
It’s not enough to have a lofty language learning goal like “I want to be fluent”. What matters more is that you focus on what you are going to do every day with the language. Find activities that give you enjoyment and satisfaction, every day. This will ensure constant improvement.
No better person to talk to about chatGPT, AI, and language learning, than my friend and outstanding polyglot, Luca Lampariello. We are of the old school. Will a younger generation learn languages differently?
Numbers, colours, days of the week, family members, body parts, greetings, etc. I have never understood the need to focus on such vocabulary when we start learning a new language. In fact, I find it more difficult to remember these words as there is no meaningful context.
The plateau is a concept that comes up often in language learning. We have some initial success in acquiring new words and gaining a sense of this new language, then we come to that period where there are lots of low frequency words that we need to learn.
I spend most of my time listening. Listening comprehension is where the action is, in my opinion. If you can understand movies, podcasts, conversations, the other end of the conversation, you can eventually get to where you can hold up your end of the conversation.
Improving in a language, especially in pronunciation, is a matter of technique, practice and attitude. Hadar knows this from her experience learning English, and becoming an actress in New York, as a non-native speaker.
Reading is a vital activity in language acquisition. It’s how to build vocabulary. In today’s video I talk about my experience with both intensive and extensive reading and why I like to do a mix of both.
I enjoy every stage of my language learning; when I start to explore a new language; when I go back again to something familiar that I don’t understand; when I start to understand more; when I understand most of it; and when I no longer feel I need to learn it.
Throughout his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear makes the point that small actions can, over time, have a major impact on outcomes. Developing good habits is more important than focusing on long term goals.
Some people say we need to “focus on the basics” when learning a language. However, we acquire various aspects of a language naturally, in an order that we don’t control. It is futile to try to master the basics, some of which will elude us for a long time.
YouTuber Veronika Mark speaks excellent English and now she is studying Spanish in Mexico City. I caught up with her and discussed her studies and how her English has improved since we last spoke.
There may be many reasons why language learning, or bilingualism, is associated with a delay in the onset of dementia. Obviously, it is a form of exercise for the brain, creating new neural networks, but it also gives older people a strong sense of purpose.
Do you enjoy answering comprehension questions about content in your target language? Many teachers and writers of language learning textbooks seem to think these questions are vital. I couldn’t disagree more.
Challenge yourself in 2023 and start a LingQ Language Challenge. We have a 30-day and 90-day challenges as well as the Streak with Steve challenge. Stay on track, motivated and learn from content you’re interested in and you will make a breakthrough in your target language.
In the coming year I want to follow my own advice and make sure I enjoy my language learning activities without worrying about how much I am improving. That’s my major New Year’s resolution.
We shouldn’t penalize people for getting things wrong in language learning. Maybe we congratulate them instead and encourage them to keep on getting things wrong, because eventually, with enough exposure, they’re going to get it right.
I find it easier to learn things that are different from each other in a new language. Take colours for example. If I can space the colours or connect them to something else, like a plant or a shirt, and I come across them in different situations, then eventually I assimilate them. I start to learn them. But if I try to learn them as a list, I find that very difficult to do.
Stefani is fluent in five languages, intermediate in three others and learning two more. She is yet another outstanding polyglot who proves that you can grow up in a monolingual family and become an accomplished speaker of many languages.
To speak well in a language we’re learning, we need to speak a lot. This requires strategy. We need to first build up our comprehension and vocabulary. Then we need to find or create environments that are familiar, comfortable and meaningful.
Writing is a great way to improve your skills and comprehension, but particularly your ability to output, to speak. To write you need to look words up, so it’s an assist to get to speaking. Do you agree?
Aristotle's Metaphysics begins: "All men by nature desire to know". Languages are among the most useful and rewarding things we can learn and get to know. I discuss this in this video.
Ksenia, from Russia, learned Ukrainian in Ukraine. I asked her how much Ukrainian a Russian speaker, with no previous exposure, understands. Answer: 40%.
Someone sent me a few video clips recently of Joe Rogan discussing language learning with his guests. There is something in the attitude in these clips that bothers me as a language learning enthusiast.
I recognize that writing can be a way of improving your ability in the language, a way of getting to more output. For some people it’s important to their academic and professional aspirations. So what do I have to say on the subject of writing?
Emotion is an important part of learning languages. Cognitive research has shown that we learn better when we have positive feelings towards what we are learning. This is particularly true when it comes to the culture of the language we are learning.
Reward yourself for what you can do in your target language. Don’t criticize yourself for what you can’t do. There are moments when you feel disappointed. Ignore these moments of self-doubt. Give yourself credit for staying active with the language, a guarantee of eventual success.
If you Google “Pareto’s Principle” You will find all kinds of examples of how a small number of any series of events will account for the lion’s share of the results of effects of these events. People say this also applies to language learning. In this video I question this.
Pronunciation and spelling can both give problems to learners of English. They are connected. Unfortunately, however, the spelling is not a reliable indicator of how words are pronounced. It takes a long time to get used to this.
In every language I have learned there are certain usage patterns that tickle my fancy. They are usually handy in expressing my thoughts. The French pronouns "y" and "en" are good examples.
If we engage in physical exercise, we have the feeling that we have done something, improved our fitness. We may even have tightness or soreness in our muscles. The same is not true with language learning. Often we don’t know if, in fact, we’re learning.
Some people say they read well in a language, but struggle to speak. Solution: speak more, but don’t neglect reading. A wide passive vocabulary, best acquired by reading, enables you to engage in conversations with people on a wide range of content.
Many people think memory in language learning refers only to words you are able to retrieve when you need them. A much bigger part of your memory are words that you once learned and have forgotten. They are in your reserve waiting to be rediscovered.
When you start in a language, nothing is comprehensible. So then how do we get a toehold? Some advice for the key first three months.
Reading comprehension is crucial in language learning and in life. The faster we can read, the more quickly we understand what we’re reading, and the faster we learn. There are tricks we can use to improve our reading comprehension. I discuss them in this video.
Some people worry about which kind of Spanish to learn, Mexican, Colombian, Argentinian, or the Spanish from Spain. In my view, this is not something worth worrying about when we start out in the language. Later on, once you are comfortable in the language, you can decide which accent or version you want to focus on.
When we learn a language we focus on specific details at times, to get a clearer sense of the language. At other times we allow the language to enter our brain with less than perfect comprehension. Both help us grow in the language.
I use artificial intelligence in the way I learn languages already. I think we’re just at the beginning of what AI can do to help us enjoy language learning more, and consequently do better.
An obstacle to acquiring vocabulary is our reluctance to accept forgetting, our vain hope to hang on to vocabulary we have tried to learn. Maybe we should just let go of new vocabulary, repeatedly catch and release, until it sticks.
Language immersion sounds like magic. You go live in a country and once you are there you learn the language. In this video I explain why this isn’t necessarily the case, and what you can do to increase your chances of language immersion strategy success.
Language learning is forgiving. It allows for errors and forgetting. We slowly become better by doing mostly top down, big picture learning, but sometimes we need to look at the details. We just shouldn't expect to remember them.
You’re in charge of your language learning journey, you’re steering the boat. You go where you want to go and don’t worry about who’s behind and ahead of you.
A language teacher should first and foremost be a motivator. I don’t believe you can teach a language to someone not motivated to learn it. Motivating learners is, of course, easier said than done, but it should be the primary goal of any teacher.
How deliberate should we be in learning a language? Should we deliberately study the language or do we just acquire it naturally?
I think we should aim for authenticity in language learning. The language content we are learning from, the conversations we have, need to be as authentic and as meaningful as possible. That way we learn without noticing that we are learning.
I hear people say they want to achieve native pronunciation. A more realistic goal may be natural pronunciation where the speaker and the listener both feel comfortable. To achieve natural pronunciation you may need at first to just let go and play act a little.
Tetsuya of the YouTube channel Morite2 teaches test-taking skills for Japanese people taking TOEIC. We chatted about the state of English learning in Japan and his adventures in language learning.
Tomorrow I will do a livestream with Dr. Stephen Krashen, linguist, educational researcher and activist, where we will discuss language acquisition.
Join us at 11AM Pacific Time on August 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7WUxvpPIKQ
In Jordan Peterson’s book “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” the Canadian clinical psychologist offers life advice via 12 essays. Here’s where I agree and disagree with the ideas in the book.
In English and other languages, certain words are often used with certain other words, sometimes to convey a special meaning. This juxtaposition of words is sometimes referred to as collocation. How do we learn to use collocations?
When learning a language I'm mostly motivated by an interest in the history and culture. Persian is no exception. Right now I'm listening to a podcast in Persian about Iranian identity.
To learn a language we need to look up the meaning of words. This means referring to dictionaries. Lately this has meant mostly referring to online dictionaries for me. Dictionaries are a necessary part of language learning as long as we use them effectively.
For the last four or five days I've been focusing on a Persian podcast about the Islamic Revolution. I feel that this degree of focus and concentration has elevated my Persian. I explain in today’s video.
Variety is the spice of life. Variety will help you learn. If you're in charge of your learning, you set the program, decide what you will spend your time on and set yourself up for success.
I don’t think comprehension questions are helpful in language learning. They destroy the pleasure of reading or listening. Brazilian educator Rubem Alves agrees with me. I listened to and read his thoughts while learning Portuguese. I didn’t always fully understand but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and my Portuguese improved.
What is important in language learning is whatever is important to you. You learn best from content that is important to you. You notice things that are important to you. You remember things that are important to you.
As you know, I learn languages on LingQ. Mostly I listen and read. But I also review vocabulary. Here’s how I do it using LingQ’s vocabulary review activities.
In this video, I discuss learning English with Anna Tyrie of the YouTube channel English Like a Native: phrasal verbs, spelling, pronunciation and more!
It's fine to have a long term vision that we would like to be fluent, have intelligent conversations in a language or understand movies. It's nice to have that as a vague goal, but in order to push yourself in that direction, you should not focus on the long term goals.
Reading is powerful. When I have read a whole paper book from cover to cover, without a dictionary or the iPad, I consider that to be a major milestone.
Listening comprehension is the core skill that leads us to speaking and reading better. It leads us to a better sense of the language.
Once you're past the first "discovery" period in a language, you hit the plateau. You feel you're not progressing. You need to vary things up, in order to keep going. One approach is speed LingQing.
Some people say you should try to learn 10 words a day and make sure you can use them, really nail them down. I've never found that effective. Here is how I learn vocabulary.
Make sure you have a tutor who has the imagination, the wherewithal and the resourcefulness to keep the conversation going when there’s a lull. A tutor who comes up with a new subject, a new question, something to keep the conversation going. This is key.
As you are progressing in your target language there will be lots of times when you are not going to understand. To reach your goals you need to accept this and keep moving forward.
Enthusiasm is such an important factor in language learning, and there are few more enthusiastic than YouTuber Rupa Sensei. I caught up with Rupa to find out how and why he is inspiring English learners.
Though I am an input-based language learner I want to output better. That’s why I am embarking on a three month challenge of increased Persian study. Here’s what I will do to step up my Persian.
There are two stages in language learning: the initial intense study of a limited number of words, and the later more extensive approach to learning in order to acquire the up to 10,000 words needed to function at a professional level. These two stages make up the upside down hockey stick.
It’s easy to get caught up in the negative as a first time language learner: I keep forgetting the words, I can’t speak, I’m just not getting it. You need to maintain a positive attitude and believe you will get there. Keep on putting in the time and you will improve.
I began learning Arabic in early 2018. In this video, I discuss what my learning strategy was at the beginning of my Arabic journey and how it has changed over the years.
My seventh and final video in my series on language learning goals is on culture. I leave culture until last so I can explore it in the target language. It makes the exercise more meaningful.
Of course there are objective factors when it comes to being a successful language learner, but there are some subjective factors too. In this video I discuss the characteristics I believe set language learners up for success.
As well as enjoying the process, learning another language means I get to discover a new culture and people. What is your “why”?
Writing is an effective way to improve language skills. You have time to look things up: words, verb and noun forms, conjugations, declensions, phrases, etc. You have more time to work on your output than when you’re engaged in an oral conversation.
Learning is about much more than schools. This is especially true for language learning. A major ingredient for success is enthusiasm, on the part of the learner and the teacher. My chat with Alberto of Italiano Automatico.
Language learning is not about performing or being judged. It's about communicating, understanding, expressing our thoughts and ideas and feelings, however imperfectly, in the language we're learning.
Grammar or correct usage is usually the first goal of language instruction. For me it’s the fifth goal, after acquiring words, reading, listening, and speaking with mistakes. It’s only then that I focus more on grammar.
Vocabulary growth is key to acquiring a language. In this video I show I do this. Spoiler, I'm not a big user of flash cards. I learn words in context, or occasionally using lists.
Compelling input is increasingly recognized as the sine qua non of language learning. So where does grammar instruction or grammar learning fit in? Olly and Steve discuss this.
Olly Richards of storytelling.com and I compare notes on the technology we use to set up for our videos. Language learning has become more easier through technology, but making videos for YouTube has become more technically demanding.
The goal of language learning, for most people, is speaking. But, for me, it isn't the first goal. A strong passive vocabulary, good reading skills, and good listening comprehension are earlier goals that enable to become a good speaker of the language.
Though listening is the third goal in my hierarchy of language learning goals, in many ways it is the most important. Listening is easy to do and it is the best preparation for speaking.
Ukrainian was my third Slavic language after Russian and Czech. Relationships between languages of the same language family are interesting. Discovering the individual histories and cultures behind these languages is a major motivator.
Reading helps enormously in acquiring new words, and in achieving some level of comprehension for what you hear in a new language. It is harder to for me remember words just by hearing them. Seeing the words written gives them form, definition.
The number one goal in language learning is to acquire words. The number of words you know is the simplest measure of your knowledge of any language. We acquire words mostly incidentally, not deliberately. That is at the core of LingQ.
My 7 language learning goals:
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Acquire words. Passive vocabulary is the best measure of my potential in a language.
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Read a lot. Reading is easier to understand than listening. I may read new material or re-read old material, but I read every day.
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Listen everywhere. I listen every day, either repeatedly as a beginner, or more extensively as I progress in a language.
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Speak when I have the chance. With enough input, I find it easier to speak and do so without worrying about how I do.
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Focus on grammar at the right time. With enough exposure to the language, enough errors in speaking, I circle back to improve my usage.
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Write as required. Writing is a great way to improve but how much I write depends on my needs.
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Culture. My ultimate goal in learning a language is to connect with the culture and history of the language. I can start doing this at any time, but fid it most satisfying only after I have achieved a good level of comprehension and familiarity with the language.
Francesco’s story is typical. A passion for languages and a passion for the culture of his homeland, Italy, took him from his background in economics to creating an online presence helping people learn Italian via videos and podcasts.
Listening is the easiest language learning activity to do, anywhere, any time. To be effective, there should be some ability to understand at least some of what you hear.
When I was 17 I essentially spoke only one language, English. Today I speak 20 languages, six of them quite well, six fairly well, and the rest are work in progress. How did that happen?
We don't need to be perfect to communicate in a foreign language. John Cena doesn't speak perfect Mandarin Chinese, far from it, but he communicates effectively from the heart.
I love French for its history and cultural influence. For English speakers, or speaker of other Romance languages, the amount of familiar or recognizable vocabulary is a major advantage to learners, despite the occasional "false friend".
Will John of Goluremi Languages is an American polyglot and professional soccer player, who has played in many countries. He grew up in the "heartland" of America. He credits his mother for his interest in languages.
I hear people say their level in English isn’t good. Many have unrealistic expectations. English is an international language of communication. If you can communicate you’re doing just fine.
LingQ has been rewritten from scratch. Mark & I discuss new features which make it easier to learn languages and easier for the LingQ team to add additional functions and features to meet member requests.
Ancient Greece and Rome had an outsized influence on the culture of Europe, and even the world. We may call their languages dead today but they were living languages for much of recent history.
In language learning, the obsessive pursuit of perfection can be an obstacle to achieving a comfortable ability to communicate in the language.
Can we learn several languages at the same time? Are we better off to focus on one? It all depends on your goals and personal preferences. You will progress faster if you focus on one language, however you will give up the chance to explore other languages during that same period.
Daria teaches Russian and looks for learning material that is of interest to the learners. Learn Russian with Star Wars! More important than insisting on correct grammar, especially in the early stages.
When we start a new language, we're excited to discover new sounds, new words, new structures. Early there is a sense of achievement as what was just noise is starting to become meaningful. Certain words repeat often enough that we learn them. But after a few months, we start to feel we're stuck. It's the doldrums. What can be done?
The difficulty level of any language depends on the learner. How motivated is the learner to acquire a certain language? Is he or she confident of their ability to acquire the language? To a confident and motivated learner, no language is really difficult. In fact, the learning process becomes its own reward.
In acquiring a foreign language, reading is often underrated as a goal, and as a learning activity. When I learned Chinese, over 50 years ago, I did a lot more reading than I’m doing now in Arabic and Persian. Today I rely on the audio to help me read. In 2022 I plan to focus more on reading, even in sentence mode, but without the constant help of audio.
We often hear that speakers of certain languages have trouble losing their accents, speakers of English or Slavic languages, for example. Iryna sounds Mexican, both in English and Spanish, yet is a native speaker of Russian and Ukrainian. Best to avoid generalizations.
I started Standard Arabic, Persian & Turkish to better understand the region. Dropped Turkish to focus on reading Arabic script. Now I'm doing more colloquial Arabic. Things change.
I hitchhiked in Italy in the 60's, getting by with French and Spanish. In the '70s I got a Linguaphone Italian course. I avoided the exercises but listened over and over again, occasionally reviewing the grammar explanations. That was it until I discovered the power of audio books.
When I learn a language I'm curious about the culture. However, I first need to get a sense of the new language using subject matter familiar to me. More exotic details of the culture can wait. Unfortunately these are often included in beginner texts.
Many people need English for the workplace, including immigrants in English speaking countries. To learn the technical language mine the many publications, articles, YouTube videos, podcasts etc. from the Internet for the words and phrases you need to learn.
Shadowing is a language learning technique developed and popularized by polyglot Alexander Argüelles. The idea is to repeat what you hear while listening in order to improve pronunciation and speaking. I have not used this much in the past but want to give it another try.
I started learning German before the age of the Internet. I'd had some exposure as a young man, but during a month between jobs, in 1987, I really went at it. I found second hand German readers, and I went at then, massive comprehensible input.
I used to say that age is no obstacle to language learning. I want to state that differently now. I think seniors should learn languages. The benefits are many.
In my latest video I talk about how much my interest in history has influenced my language learning. It has been my inspiration, my source of interesting content, and represents much of the time that I have spent learning these languages. And just about all of them my interest in history sustained me.
To achieve a comfortable level in a language you first have to have a reason, a subject of interest, a friend, something that you focus on directly. Your ultimate goal of fluency is the indirect result of his first step.
The realization, thanks in large part to Stephen Krashen, that meaningful, comprehensible, and compelling input (CI) is the key to language learning success is changing how languages are taught. But how does it work, given that the new language is incomprehensible when we start?
I favour using content of interest, compelling content, to make language learning enjoyable. But many school learners simply aren't interested. Can setting a specific list of words to learn make things better?
It's a common question: are extroverts better language learners than introverts? I don't think it matters.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FG2b48
Gabriel is a wonderful polyglot. He learned them mostly one after the other, motivated by different things, and encouraged by his success. I think that is the case with most polyglots.
We need meaningful input to learn languages. Listening is great for preparing to speak and is the most portable learning activity, but reading is where I feel I acquire the most words.
What are the most common problems I see in language learners? A big one is that people don't realize how long it takes and give up too soon.
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Language acquisition is a slow and gradual process of improvement, uneven and sometimes imperceptible. Having clear tasks helps to keep you going.
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Veronika teaches English at her youtube channel English with Veronika Mark. Her English is flawless. She learned at home in Russia.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3BcMs9Z
I focus a lot on input, reading and listening, but my goal is always to speak the language. Output is important and the languages that I speak and probably understand the best are the ones that I have spoken the most.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3nhfGQ7
To become a polyglot, you have to start by wanting to learn just one language. If you do so you may find you're motivated to learn another language, because you enjoyed the experience, the cultural enrichment, and the sense of satisfaction of becoming fluent in a new language. You're on your way.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FXTMdp
Those of us who learn languages typically spend a lot of time engaged in various language learning activities. It's well worthwhile understanding how we learn languages. There is no better source of information on this subject, no better explainer, than Stephen Krashen.
🔥 Learn languages like I do with LingQ: https://bit.ly/3FBCDWw
Some people want to learn slang and even swear words at an early stage of their learning. I've never done this and don't recommend it. You actually need quite a high level of familiarity with a language to be able to use these terms appropriately. There is a danger of creating a bad impression without realizing it.
The greater the variety of our language learning activities, the more different ways we use the language while learning it, paradoxically, the better we end up focussing when we interact with that language. We end up with an augmented reality experience.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3BaQd0o
It has occurred to me that the process of learning a language is not one of deliberately learning rules and words, but rather one of becoming familiar with a language, making another language a friend, whose traits and idiosyncrasies we appreciate and enjoy.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3kMtfHc
People often look for better ways to do things, sometimes called hacks. Are there hacks for learning languages? I checked out some productivity hacks on the Internet. Do they work for languages?
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2XXpp5n
Stu Jay Raj speaks languages of southeast Asia, India and China. Most people know that the Indian subcontinent and China have a combined population of around 3 billion people but don’t realize Southeast Asia has a population of almost 700 million. There are a lot of people that Stu can speak to and learn from.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3hQgyt7
Language learning is in itself a form of travel. We are able to visit different cultures, different ways of saying things and to enjoy the pleasure of moving to exotic environments.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3hCfTew
Content drives enjoyment and success in language learning. It has evolved from teachers, books, tapes, online content including mp3 files, to all the ways we can learn from videos.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/394sFhy
Factors that influence our choice in languages to learn include how easy it seems, how useful it seems and our interest in the language. It is the last one, interest, that I find the most motivating. ___
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/2XcM3qb
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.
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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.
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Languages are for communicating, not for competing with others. Novak Djokovic competes in tennis but communicates wonderfully in different languages, despite the odd mistake. ___
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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
Even a keen language learner like myself needs to be nudged from time to time. That is why I join the 90-Day Challenges at LingQ. I invite others to do the same, maybe even follow me, in the languages they are studying.
Join me in a LingQ language challenge: https://bit.ly/3cizpKG
Want to learn a language like I do? Join LingQ today: https://bit.ly/3yPzU8w
Pitch accent has received more attention recently, especially for learners of Japanese. Do I think pitch accent is important? No. Not important.
I always emphasize input in language learning, getting the language in you through listening and reading. But how do you get started speaking? I offer some advice in this video.
Learn a new language like I do, on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3ftIoL3
The Internet has changed how we learn languages. There are so many apps and so much readily available technology that it has never been easier to learn languages.
Want to learn a new language? Sign up for LingQ today: https://bit.ly/3v5dZIk
Learning Japanese, and living in Tokyo for 9 years, had a profound influence on my life, especially professionally. It wasn't necessarily meant to be. It came about because of a personality conflict I had with my boss. I might have ended up in Beijing instead.
Study a language on LingQ: https://bit.ly/3eW6PAx
Mistakes are an essential part of language learning, a chance to notice and learn. We should welcome our mistakes. Unfortunately, school teaches us to be afraid of mistakes.
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Talking, having meaningful conversations in the language we are learning, is not only a major goal for most language learners, it is a necessary part of getting to fluency. But our attitude is important. It's best to focus more on communicating meaning, and how the language is used by others, and less on how we think we sound.
We are often attracted by the appeal of 10 secrets to losing weight, seven tips for keeping your house clean, so why not 10 secrets to language learning? These secrets or tips usually get us thinking about ways to do things better.
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The key to success in language learning is to engage with the language often and in ways that you find enjoyable. If you like doing flash cards, using spaced repetition systems, then it's worth doing. If not, this kind of learning activity won't help much.
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We acquire languages gradually through input. Some people think we need to master certain basic concepts or vocabulary first as soon as possible. In fact, we acquire the most common words and structures of the language slowly and mostly if we are exposed to them often enough in natural contexts.
Given that the fastest way to learn a language is to listen and read a lot, how do you begin a language from scratch, when you don't understand anything? Here I demonstrate how I start a new language.
Neither "speaking from day one" nor "getting a good grammar book and dictionary" will enable a person to learn a language more quickly. These things can be part of a learning strategy. Mostly, however, we need to acquire the language through lots of exposure, lots of reading and listening.
A lot of language study takes place in schools. In the English language school system in Canada, very few school children outside of French immersion learn to speak French despite years of classroom instruction and testing. Why is this?
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Reading is the killer app for learning languages, but also for learning other things. In order to study effectively we need to work on our reading skills, and that means reading a lot. We should also take advantage of audio in order to ramp up our ability to absorb information from reading. This applies to language learning and learning other subjects as well.
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People ask me how long it takes to learn a language, sometimes with reference to a specific language. I feel like asking them "what's the hurry?". Just enjoy the language and enjoy whatever you are able to achieve in the language. ___
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Russian is not only a language rich in history & literature, it’s also a gateway to other Slavic languages, which share most of the same grammatical challenges(or delights).
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Are some languages harder to learn than others? Yes, think so. Some have less or more forgiving grammar. Some have unfamiliar or hard to learn writing systems. Some are harder to pronounce or have little common vocabulary with languages we know. But if we are truly motivated, it doesn't matter. ___
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In order to be successful language learners, it can help to have some sense of the learning process, what is actually going on in our brains. This can determine our learning activities and our expectations of ourselves.
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Three major East Asian languages, Chinese, Japanese and Korean share a lot of vocabulary, history and culture and yet each one is distinctive, and well worth learning. ___
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Here I interview Yuzzy, a Japanese exchange student at a high school in England. I ask him what he finds most difficult in English, and he doesn't know. He doesn't worry about the details. He has just absorbs the language.
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I don't worry about how well I speak Spanish, nor about the mistakes I make. I can't control how others react to my Spanish. I can only control how I feel about using the language, and these are feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, regardless of my level. I have always enjoyed my 60 year association with the Spanish language and culture.
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Many people attend Toastmasters sessions to practice their public speaking skills, to practice a foreign language or to meet people. Here are some ideas on how to organize your thoughts.
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Japanese can take longer to learn than some European languages, but it isn’t inherently difficult. In fact, I found Japanese to be a forgiving language, one where it’s harder to make mistakes.
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Learning a language while sleeping is sometimes hopefully offered as an effortless way to learn languages. I have not seen evidence that this works, or is even possible. ___
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There’s an abundance of academic studies about vocabulary, what words do and how they’re acquired. But it’s really quite simple: listen and read and your vocabulary will grow!
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What constitutes a good study plan for learning languages? Developing good habits, things you enjoy doing every day, is more important than any kind of step by step plan or program.
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We can improve our English speaking skills by speaking more. But if not surrounded by English speakers, the next best thing is to step up our listening and reading while waiting for more opportunities to speak.
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BTS, the popular Korean pop group, has an appeal that represents a desire in the world for everyone to just get along and accept each other. Here I talk about how they have fun speaking different languages, especially Chinese and English. ___
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For all the languages that I have learned, I only attended school twice. However, in every case it was becoming an independent language learner that brought me success.
As with all the languages I’ve learned, my passion for the language, and all that surrounds it, was key to success in learning Mandarin. But lots of reading and listening helped me achieve my goals.
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It’s a New Year. 2021. What do I hope to achieve this year? I’ll stay on Persian and Arabic for a while and maybe go back to Turkish in the summer. We’ll see how I do.
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I got turned on to French long ago and my passion for the language has stayed with me for over 50 years. In this video I share my journey to French fluency.
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We don’t need more language textbooks, with limited language content, drills and explanations. We just need each other to talk about what interests us, record it, transcribe it and offer it to learners of our language.
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History is one of my major motivations for learning languages, and learning languages motivates me to learn history. In this video I discuss my interest in languages, different peoples, and the course of history, with special reference to the languages I am now learning, Persian, Arabic and Turkish.
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When I learn languages I get into the culture and history of that language. Listening to the history in the language connects me emotionally, but I get most of my information reading in English.
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When we learn a foreign language we imitate an aspect of another culture. In other words, we are entering into a foreign cultural space. This can sometimes cause difficulties.
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We all have language habits, ingrained from our native languages, or languages we speak well. How do we get outside these and develop new language habits? Jeremy discusses this with reference to Korean.
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When I learn languages I enjoy the process, even when I’m not sure I’m progressing. People who love fishing enjoy it even when the fish aren’t biting.
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It's always fun to practice a language we are learning with a native speaker, wherever we may find them. We shouldn't be disappointed, however, if they reply in our language. There can be many reasons for this.
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In learning languages, we discover all the many ways that people from different cultures are the same. During the process of discovering this we can learn a new language, and learning the language teaches us about the new culture.
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Learning English is sometimes different from learning other languages. It’s often learned out of need or obligation, rather than interest. I discuss this with Gabby of Go Natural English.
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We should never underestimate the power of passive vocabulary. A broad passive vocabulary is the key to increased engagement with a language, more listening and reading, enjoying movies, and eventually being able to have meaningful conversations. Passive vocabulary is the key to progress in the language we are learning.
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The modal verb, the "would, should, might" etc. type of verb, is a staple of English as a second language instruction. In order to become comfortable using these verbs, better to spend less time with explanations or drills, and more time listening, reading and speaking.
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Will John Olumeri has a popular channel on YouTube and a strong interest in languages. I am always impressed by people who share my enthusiasm for learning languages. And his Danish pronunciation is amazing.
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As is the case in many languages, once your French is at a level where you can easily interact with native speakers, you may find yourself wondering at the meaning of certain colloquialisms. Street French focuses on these in their channel. We discuss this in this interview.
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If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic drives home the fact that we are all connected. We got into this because we’re connected and will get out of it because we’re connected. So I focus my energies on learning languages so I can connect better with other people and cultures.
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Arabic is spoken by over 400 million native speakers on three continents. A powerful historical language, it has influenced languages in the region and in Europe.
Mike Still is an Arabic speaker, has lived in several Arabic countries and helps people learn Arabic. We discuss the learning of Arabic in this video.
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Over 100 million Germans speakers in Europe. At the center of the old continent and at the heart of its history. Classical music and Rammstein, engineering and philosophers, Rhine wine and beer. Lots to like.
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Comprehension questions aren’t helpful to language learners, but many teachers think these can determine learners’ levels. To me they are just another useless test.
Input, pleasurable input, listening & reading, using content that we choose and enjoy, these are the fastest way to improve in a language. Being asked questions to prove our understanding of what we read and listen to adds nothing.
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Race is irrelevant to language learning. At every polyglot meeting I find people of every race and gender speaking lots of languages. Yet some people are surprised that people who look a certain way can speak certain languages.
*In reviewing this video I realize that I talk too much. Also our trip to Japan was cancelled because of coronavirus.
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We have to stay with it to succeed in language learning. It is too easy to be frustrated at our lack of progress. In this video I talk about three things that keep me going.
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Languages surround us wherever we are and wherever we travel, like a limitless buffet of delicious morsels of food. We can choose to limit ourselves to a few or to sample many. Here Moses Mccormick and I talk about the fun and challenges of learning many different languages.
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I'm really enjoying short biographical monologues, followed by "circling questions", in Persian. I would love to see the same in Arabic, and in fact for all languages. If you want to help develop this kind of intermediate contents for other languages, please watch my video and contact me: steve@lingq.com.
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Moses McCormick, polyglot extraordinaire, has a humble good natured approach to languages and people that probably belies the concentrated effort needed to crack the code of so many diverse languages. We talk about it here.
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Listening is the most strategic activity in my language learning.
I am confident that if I can understand what I hear, in movies, podcasts, conversations, etc., my ability to speak will develop, and I will become better at reading and writing as well. Understanding what you hear gives you momentum.
Going from easy content, full of high frequency words and repetition, to authentic content with more elusive low frequency vocabulary, requires an intermediate step.
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It may seem that Chinese and English language are worlds apart. When I started learning Chinese, this exotic quality was part of its appeal. Once you get into the language it becomes familiar & not so distant. Ari of New York (Xiaomanyc) is an enthusiastic YouTuber connecting the two worlds.
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Listening is the biggest part of my language learning by far. I am only able to do it while doing other tasks, otherwise I lose focus and feel like I want to do something else.
Listening to my languages not only helps me learn them, but makes me more likely to work out and clean up around the house. Listening to languages is good for you.
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When do we start speaking naturally in another language without translating from our own language? I think this is a gradual process. I discuss this topic with Robin MacPherson, another enthusiastic online polyglot.
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Do you ever get frustrated when learning a language? I know I do. Usually it is a matter of managing expectations. We are learning, however slowly, and the end goal is elusive but still worth it.
How we study and what we expect of ourselves has a great influence on how we view our success and failures in learning a new language.
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Visit my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: www.lingq.com
My blog: www.blog.thelinguist.com/
Visit my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: www.lingq.com
My blog: www.blog.thelinguist.com/
Visit my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: www.lingq.com
My blog: www.blog.thelinguist.com/
Visit my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: www.lingq.com
My blog: www.blog.thelinguist.com/
Visit my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: www.lingq.com
My blog: blog.thelinguist.com/
Visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/lingosteve
Learn a new language on LingQ: https://www.lingq.com
My blog: https://blog.thelinguist.com/
Taken from my live stream, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X75C86wP8o
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Taken from my livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8rcCcg5e70&t=377s
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Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIX5k7acSe4&t=
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I think the difference between active and passive language skills is overblown. Language learning is a holistic process.
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