Why your reasons NOT to learn a language are just EXCUSES

Why your reasons NOT to learn a language are just EXCUSES

Author: Steve Kaufmann August 14, 2026 Duration: 6:54
I was with some Canadians recently who all agreed that French would help them professionally. Within a few minutes I had heard three reasons why they hadn't learned it: I can read but I can't speak, the Montreal accent is too hard, and they changed our class this year. Every one of those puts the problem somewhere outside the person saying it. I lived in Hong Kong where nobody spoke Mandarin and I learned Mandarin anyway, because I did the listening and reading. What's the reason you give yourself?

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: 50

Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann
Podcast Episodes
Le français au Québec, mythes et realité [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:10
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 s…
Want to learn faster? Reduce cognitive load [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:59
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.
Apprendre une langue, c’est s’y habituer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
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.
DON'T overcomplicate language learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:31
In this video, I explain why language learning is often made harder than it needs to be and how to stop overcomplicating it.