How to Learn Any Language - Interview with Legendary Polyglot Steve Kaufmann

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Luca Alemanprello interviews Steve Kaufman, a renowned polyglot and language learning expert. Kaufman shares his journey from being a Canadian diplomat to becoming deeply involved in language learning, leading to the creation of the language learning platform, LingQ. He emphasizes the importance of attitude, time spent with the language, and the ability to notice as key factors in language acquisition. Kaufman also discusses the benefits of learning multiple languages, including enhanced cultural understanding and professional opportunities, and encourages participation in the supportive polyglot community.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Language learning opens doors to understanding different cultures and histories.
• 📚 Steve Kaufman's language learning journey began with a passion for French, sparked by an inspiring professor at McGill University.
• 💡 A positive attitude, time spent with the language, and the ability to notice linguistic patterns are key to successful language acquisition.
• 🎯 Kaufman emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning process and not getting hung up on details or making mistakes.
• 🌟 Learning languages has significantly benefited Kaufman's professional career, especially in connecting with international clients and suppliers.
• 🔄 The polyglot community is supportive and mutually beneficial, encouraging language enthusiasts to learn and grow together.
• 🎧 Kaufman uses technology, like Google Translate, for basic communication but highlights the irreplaceable value of human conversation.
• 📖 Reading books and listening to podcasts in the target language are crucial components of Kaufman's language learning routine.
• 🤔 Kaufman dropped Turkish to focus on Arabic and Persian, showing the flexibility and personal choice in language learning paths.
• 🌐 Even with advancements in translation technology, learning languages remains important for deeper cultural understanding and personal satisfaction.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kaufman's interests extend beyond language learning to include sports, history, and spending time with family.

Q & A

What does Steve Kaufman stand for in the language learning world?

Steve Kaufman is known for his passion for languages and his career as a Canadian diplomat and businessman in the forest industry. He has learned multiple languages both professionally and out of personal interest, and has developed a language learning platform called LingQ (previously known as Link) with his son, Mark.

How did Steve Kaufman's interest in language learning begin?

Steve's interest in language learning began in Montreal where he was exposed to both English and French speakers. His passion was ignited by a McGill University professor who taught French civilization, leading Steve to study in France and become fluent in French.

How did the idea of LingQ (Link) originate?

The idea of LingQ originated from Steve's personal frustration with traditional language learning methods. He found it inefficient to underline unknown words in books, look them up in dictionaries, and still forget them. With a background in software development from his work in the forest industry, he developed a system to better facilitate language learning by combining audio and text.

What is Steve Kaufman's approach to maintaining multiple languages?

Steve does not deliberately maintain his languages on a daily basis. Instead, he accepts the uncertainty of language proficiency fluctuation and focuses on exploring new languages. He revisits languages as needed and finds that relearning forgotten languages is more effective than trying to maintain them at a high level constantly.

How does Steve Kaufman define fluency in a language?

For Steve, fluency means understanding fundamentally everything that is said to him, even if he speaks with mistakes. He uses the European Framework levels, where A2 allows one to claim speaking a language, B2 indicates fluency with some mistakes, and C1 suggests a very high level of fluency.

What are the three key factors for successful language learning according to Steve Kaufman?

The three key factors are the attitude of the learner, the time spent with the language, and the ability to notice. A positive attitude, dedication of time, and the willingness to observe and understand language patterns are crucial for success.

How does Steve Kaufman incorporate listening and reading in his language learning routine?

Steve listens to language content daily, using times when his hands are busy, like making breakfast or driving. This listening triggers curiosity, which leads him to read the content. He reads and listens to sentences repeatedly, trying to hammer them into his brain.

What does Steve Kaufman think about the necessity of writing in language learning?

Steve acknowledges that writing is beneficial for language learning but personally does not write in the languages he is learning, focusing instead on listening and reading. He believes in doing what is easy and enjoyable for the learner.

What are some common limiting beliefs that hinder language learning, according to Steve Kaufman?

Steve mentions that people often resist accepting new languages, get hung up on details, and are overly focused on speaking perfectly. These beliefs can create obstacles and prevent learners from enjoying the language learning process.

How does Steve Kaufman respond to the argument that technology is making language learning less important?

Steve believes that while technology can aid communication, it cannot replace the deep cultural understanding and personal satisfaction that come from learning languages. He emphasizes that speaking with a language partner is a fundamentally different experience from using a translation device.

What are some of Steve Kaufman's interests outside of language learning?

Apart from language learning, Steve is interested in history, sports (particularly ice hockey and golf), and spending time with his family. He also enjoys watching series with subtitles to pick up dialogue in different languages.