Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann

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.

Today I'm sharing 5 things I wish I knew when I was just starting to learn languages.

In this video, I compare intensity and perseverance in language learning and explain why both matter.

Happy New Year! In this video, I reflect on 2025 and share my goals for 2026.

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 explain why it's never been easier to learn another language.

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 discuss 4 ways in which learning languages can make us happier.

Struggling with language learning motivation? Here are 3 tips to get back on track.

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.

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

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

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.

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