What Makes a Successful Language Learner?

Summary

In this video, Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of patience, living in the moment, and initiative for successful language learning. He shares his personal experiences with Arabic and Persian, highlighting the value of consistent engagement with the language for gradual improvement. Kaufmann encourages learners to take charge of their education, use tools like Google Translate and scanning pens, and accept the inherent uncertainty in language acquisition. He concludes by recommending his past videos on learning in the moment for further insights.

Takeaways

• 🌟 **Self-Initiative**: Successful language learners take the initiative to learn, using resources like Google and language learning apps without waiting for someone to teach them.
• 🕒 **Patience**: Patience is crucial; consistent engagement with the language, even without noticeable immediate improvement, leads to progress over time.
• 🧠 **Neural Development**: Every interaction with the language helps build neural networks in the brain, enhancing language ability.
• 🔍 **Proactive Learning**: When unsure about language forms like conjugations, look them up actively instead of guessing.
• 📚 **Utilize Technology**: Use technology like scanning pens and online dictionaries to aid in language learning.
• 🌐 **Global Resources**: The language is accessible globally, and there are many ways to acquire bits of information about it.
• 📈 **Incremental Improvement**: Improvement happens incrementally, so it's important to be patient and recognize that every bit of study contributes to progress.
• 📅 **Living in the Moment**: Enjoy and value the present moment when engaging with the language, as every interaction is valuable.
• 🔁 **Repeat and Review**: Repeatedly engaging with the language, even through less enjoyable tasks, is part of the learning process.
• 🤔 **Accept Uncertainty**: Accept that not everything will be understood immediately and that forgetting and relearning are natural parts of language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the main message Steve Kaufmann wants to convey in this video?

Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of being proactive in language learning, highlighting patience, living in the moment, and taking initiative as key qualities for successful language learners.

Why does Kaufmann mention his struggles with Arabic and Persian?

Kaufmann discusses his struggles to illustrate that consistent engagement with a language, even without dramatic improvement, leads to progress over time.

What does Kaufmann suggest about the relationship between time spent on a language and improvement?

He suggests that as long as one is spending time with the language, through listening, reading, or other activities, they are contributing to the development of neural networks that will enhance their language skills.

How does Kaufmann define 'living in the moment' in the context of language learning?

He defines it as recognizing the value of each interaction with the language, whether it's enjoyable or not, and understanding that it contributes to language proficiency.

What is the importance of initiative in language learning according to Kaufmann?

Initiative is crucial as it involves actively seeking out resources and information to enhance language skills, such as using Google to look up conjugations or using a scanning pen to translate texts.

Why does Kaufmann recommend looking up conjugations when learning a new language?

He recommends this because it helps to reinforce grammatical structures and vocabulary, which is essential for mastering a language, especially for complex aspects like verb conjugations.

What is an example of taking initiative in language learning that Kaufmann provides?

One example is using Google Translate to convert written English into the target language to study specific vocabulary items and then importing it into LingQ for study.

How does Kaufmann suggest dealing with uncertainty in language learning?

He suggests accepting uncertainty as a part of the learning process, looking up unknown information, and being patient with oneself.

What does Kaufmann mean by 'enjoy the moment' in language learning?

He means to appreciate and value the time spent learning the language, even if it doesn't feel like significant progress is being made, as every bit of exposure contributes to learning.

What are the two videos Kaufmann refers to at the end of the script?

He refers to a video from a year ago and one from seven years ago, both discussing the concept of learning in the moment, although he does not provide specific details about their content.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 The Qualities of a Successful Language Learner

In this paragraph, Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of patience and consistency in language learning. He suggests that even without daily intensive study, regular engagement with the language leads to improvement. Kaufmann shares his personal experience with Arabic and Persian, highlighting that occasional practice maintains and enhances language skills. He also stresses the value of living in the moment during language study, recognizing that every bit of interaction contributes to neural development and language proficiency. Kaufmann encourages learners to be proactive, using tools like Google Translate and scanning pens to aid in learning, and to take charge of their educational journey.

05:03

🔍 Embracing Initiative and Accepting Uncertainty

Steve Kaufmann discusses the significance of initiative in language learning, advocating for self-directed study and the use of technology to enhance understanding. He shares his recent purchase of a scanning pen to facilitate learning from Arabic textbooks, exemplifying how learners can employ tools to aid their education. Kaufmann also touches on the need to accept uncertainty as a natural part of the learning process, encouraging learners to look up unknown information and to be patient with their progress. He concludes by suggesting that enjoying the learning process and taking initiative are key to mastering a language, and he references previous videos for further insights.

Keywords

💡Language Learner

A language learner is an individual who is in the process of acquiring knowledge of a new language. In the context of the video, Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the qualities that contribute to successful language learning, such as patience, initiative, and living in the moment. The video suggests that anyone can be a successful language learner by cultivating these traits, regardless of their background or resources.

💡Subjective Factors

Subjective factors refer to personal attitudes, beliefs, and motivations that influence language learning. The video highlights that while objective factors like access to resources and language similarity play a role, it is the subjective factors like patience and initiative that truly determine the success of a language learner. Steve Kaufmann's own experiences with Arabic and Persian illustrate how subjective effort can lead to improvement.

💡Patience

Patience is the ability to tolerate waiting, delay, or frustration without becoming agitated or upset. In language learning, as mentioned in the video, patience is crucial because progress is often gradual and requires consistent effort over time. Kaufmann advises learners to be patient with their progress, understanding that every engagement with the language contributes to long-term improvement.

💡Living in the Moment

Living in the moment is a state of being fully present and engaged in the current activity without distraction. The video encourages language learners to appreciate the value of each interaction with the language, whether it's listening or reading, by being present and recognizing the incremental gains made during these moments.

💡Initiative

Initiative refers to the ability to take charge of one's learning and actively seek out opportunities to improve. The video stresses the importance of taking initiative, such as using tools like a scanning pen or online resources to look up unfamiliar words or conjugations. This proactive approach to learning is portrayed as a key characteristic of successful language learners.

💡Conjugation

Conjugation is the alteration of a verb's form to express different tenses, moods, and voices. In the video, Kaufmann uses conjugation as an example of a language feature that can be challenging. He suggests that learners should take the initiative to look up conjugations when they encounter unfamiliar forms, demonstrating how initiative can be applied in practice.

💡Uncertainty

Uncertainty in language learning refers to the inevitable gaps in understanding and the challenges of not grasping every detail. The video encourages learners to accept this uncertainty as a normal part of the learning process. Kaufmann advises that instead of getting frustrated, learners should look up what they don't understand and continue to enjoy the learning process.

💡Neural Networks

Neural networks are complex systems of interconnected neurons that facilitate the processing of information in the brain. In the context of the video, Kaufmann mentions that engaging with a language helps to create and strengthen neural networks, which in turn improves language ability. This concept underscores the importance of consistent practice in language learning.

💡Content

Content in language learning refers to the material or topics that learners engage with to acquire a language. The video suggests that having access to interesting content can enhance the learning experience. Kaufmann also implies that learners should take initiative in choosing content that aligns with their interests to maintain motivation.

💡LingQ

LingQ is a language learning platform mentioned in the video, where learners can import sentences and study them. Kaufmann uses LingQ as an example of a tool that can be integrated with other technologies, like a scanning pen, to facilitate language learning. It represents the kind of innovative resources that can aid in the language acquisition process.

Highlights

The importance of not waiting for someone to teach you a language and utilizing available resources.

Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the subjective factors in language learning beyond objective considerations.

The significance of consistent engagement with the language for improvement, even without dramatic progress.

The value of being patient and confident in the language learning process.

Creating neural networks in the brain through language engagement for improved language ability.

The concept of living in the moment while learning a language to appreciate its value.

The role of initiative in language learning, such as looking up conjugations and vocabulary.

Using Google Translate to convert English text into the target language for vocabulary acquisition.

The example of buying a scanning pen to facilitate language learning from textbooks.

The necessity of taking charge of one's learning by choosing content and taking initiatives.

Accepting uncertainty as a part of the language learning process and not understanding everything.

The idea of enjoying the time spent with the language to enhance the learning experience.

Steve Kaufmann's suggestion to watch his older videos on language learning for additional insights.

The importance of combining patience with initiative in language learning.

The contradiction between being patient and enjoying the moment while also taking initiative.

The final thoughts on the characteristics of a successful language learner, including accepting uncertainty.

Transcripts

Don't wait for someone to teach you the language.

The language is there.

Hi, Steve Kaufmann here again, and today I want to talk about

the most important qualities of a successful language learner.

If you enjoy these videos, please subscribe and click on

the bell for notifications.

And if you follow me on a podcast service, please leave a review.

So what, what makes a successful language learner?

Now, there are a lot of, you know, objective considerations: where you

live, if you have access to a lot of good content, uh, there are a lot of...

the language that you speak, how similar is it to a language that you're learning?

There are many objective factors, but there are also

important subjective factors.

Uh, and I was thinking about this today.

Um, and I was thinking about it in terms of my continuing sort of

struggles with Arabic and Persian.

And I don't spend as much time as I would like.

Uh, I don't think I did any work on either one of those languages today, but,

um, every day, every second day I do.

And it occurred to me that, that the important consideration is

that I continue doing something.

I'm not expecting a sort of dramatic improvement.

Um, as long as I'm spending time with the language I will improve.

And, you know, I had a conversation yesterday in Persian after not having

done anything with the language for two weeks and I did okay.

So, uh, and so I thought to myself, you know, we have to be patient.

We have to be confident that as long as we're putting time in with the language,

we're listening here, we're reading there, we're doing something, we're getting

some kind of an activity score at LingQ.

As long as we're doing those things, we are improving.

So it's, it's important to be patient, uh, and to be confident that

every time we're engaging with the language, we are helping to create

neural networks in our brain that will improve our ability in the language.

If we go through periods of intensive work with the language, or, you

know, significant opportunity to use the language, we'll improve faster.

But nevertheless, as long as we're putting time in, we are improving.

So we need to have that sense of patience.

So I think patience is an important quality.

Another way of looking at it is this idea of living in the moment.

When you are with the language, when you are listening or reading just

remind yourself that what you're doing is valuable and it's going to

improve your ability in the language.

If you have content that's of interest to you so much the better

you can enjoy that time that you're spending with the language.

Sometimes we have to do things or engage with content that's less interesting

than reading it for the second or third time or listening for the fifth time.

And so maybe it's less enjoyable, but it helps if we recognize that all of this

activity, even though we don't sense that dramatic improvement, it is improving us.

So patience, living in the moment, these are important characteristics.

Another important characteristic is initiative.

So for example, romance languages and in fact, in many languages, things

like conjugations are difficult.

Uh, if we are writing in the language, you don't just write the first, if

it's ... is it with a 't' with an 's'?

You can't remember?

Don't just write it, look it up.

It's so easy nowadays to Google, you know, conjugate the verb ... and

French or whatever ... in Spanish, Google it, find it, look for it.

Uh, when I'm reviewing...

now I'm not doing romance languages but context Reverso has

a wonderful conjugating dictionary.

Take the opportunity to look up the conjugation whenever you

come across a form of that verb.

Uh, so these are initiatives you can take.

If you feel that you're lacking in certain, um, you know, technical jargon

or other terminology or vocabulary items, another thing you can do, which

I sometimes do is I'll write something up in English, use Google Translate to

convert it into whatever language I'm learning and what I wrote in English

contained the vocabulary items that I was interested in, and lo and behold, I will

now see those in the target language.

I can import that into LingQ and study it.

So that's another example of taking the initiative.

Don't wait for someone to teach you the language.

The language is there.

There's so many different ways that you can I acquire bits and pieces

of information about the language.

Speaking of initiative, I recently bought a scanning pen because

I have these Arabic textbooks.

So I've, I now can scan a line in the textbook and if I have an app

open on my computer, which could be, you know, a Google Drive.

It could be our Google Documents.

It could be anything including the import page at LingQ then

that sentence will appear.

If it's Arabic or Persian or whatever, French, Spanish, whatever you're studying,

that sentence will appear in the text space, in the import section of LingQ.

So that's just an initiative, not everyone is going to run

out and buy a scanning pen.

But, uh, it's just a matter of, you know, taking charge of your learning

is so important in so many different ways, choosing the content you're

interested in, uh, taking initiatives.

So to summarize here again, it's, it's being patient.

So to some extent, these things are a bit contradictory.

You have to be patient, you have to enjoy the moment, live in the moment.

However, you also have to take in.

You have to take initiative in terms of...

okay, today I'm going to study, or I'm interested in this subject or I'm going to

go to Netflix or I'm going to look up the conjugation table, or I'm going to look

up declension tables for Russian nouns.

You got to take the initiative.

Can't wait for someone to teach you that declension.

So I think that those are some of the important, uh, characteristics.

And finally another important character characteristic I

think is to accept uncertainty.

And I've mentioned this before, uh, you know, you're not going

to understand everything.

You're going to forget things.

Uh, even after a long time, it seems that you don't understand the same

bits and pieces that you're listening to, uh, but accept the uncertainty.

And so this ties back to the other two characteristics.

So if you're a bit confused about the declension or the conjugation, look it up.

Uh, accept the uncertainty.

Be patient.

Enjoy the moment.

Enjoy the time you're spending with the language.

So I'd like to leave you with two videos.

One that I did a year ago and one that I did seven years ago, and they

talk about, the one seven years ago talked about learning in the moment.

And the one that I did a year ago talked about learning languages in

the moment I haven't looked at them.

I didn't look at them in preparation for this video, perhaps I was of a different

opinion a year ago or seven years ago.

At any rate, if you're interested, you, you can go and have a look.

Thank you for that.

Bye for now.