My 2025 in languages: reflections and plans for 2026

My 2025 in languages: reflections and plans for 2026

Author: Steve Kaufmann January 1, 2026 Duration: 11:28
Happy New Year! In this video, I reflect on 2025 and share my goals for 2026.

What does it actually take to learn a new language? In Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann, you’ll find answers that come from a place of deep, personal experience rather than just theory. Steve speaks 20 languages, a skill honed over more than five decades of consistent practice and curiosity. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, where Steve reflects on his own journey-discussing what methods have worked, what hasn’t, and why the enjoyment of the process is so crucial. He dismantles the idea that language learning is only for the gifted, arguing instead that attitude and approach make all the difference. This isn't about rigid grammar drills or memorizing vocabulary lists under pressure. Instead, you’ll hear about the joys of discovering a culture through its language, the satisfaction of gradual progress, and practical strategies for integrating learning into a busy life. Whether you're struggling to start your first new language or you're a seasoned polyglot looking for fresh perspective, this podcast offers a grounded, encouraging voice. Steve’s insights are particularly valuable for anyone who feels they’ve been discouraged by traditional classroom settings, offering a more natural and compelling path forward. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that remind you why connecting with another language is one of the most rewarding pursuits you can undertake.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann
Podcast Episodes
Stop obsessing over grammar: focus on this instead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:55
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.
Challenging myself to learn 100 WORDS EVERY DAY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:27
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!
Speaking or comprehension: which comes first? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:12
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.
Fluent in one language or good in many? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:19
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.
I’ve read books in 12 languages. Here’s how I do it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
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 dif…
Don’t memorize vocabulary. Do this instead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:28
In this video I discuss some common misconceptions about language and vocabulary acquisition and share my strategy for learning vocabulary in a new language.

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