The BEST Way to Learn New Vocabulary

Summary

In this video, Steve Kaufmann discusses the importance of vocabulary in language learning, emphasizing that over-analyzing word knowledge is unnecessary. He suggests that language acquisition should be a natural, enjoyable process, focusing on exposure and repetition rather than complex theories or memorizing low-frequency words. He encourages learners to read and listen to content they enjoy, allowing vocabulary to stick over time. Kaufmann highlights the value of simple, practical approaches like tracking word recognition and understanding that language learning is a gradual, fuzzy process, especially with languages less related to one's native language.

Takeaways

• 📚 Vocabulary is the most important aspect of language learning.
• ❌ Avoid overanalyzing words and their different stages of acquisition.
• 🛠 Language learning is a gradual, fuzzy process involving forgetting and relearning.
• 📊 Tracking word counts and statistics can be motivating, as seen in the LingQ platform.
• ⚡ Simplify vocabulary learning by focusing on passive recognition in context, rather than detailed analysis.
• 🎯 The key to language learning is to enjoy the process, read and listen extensively.
• 👨‍🏫 Learning is more efficient when you already know a language similar to the target language.
• 🚫 Specialized methods, like studying for TOEFL vocabulary, can be less effective due to the low frequency of certain words.
• 🎓 Stephen Krashen's approach emphasizes natural language acquisition over complex linguistic theories.
• 🏃‍♂️ Stick with content that interests you and meets your level to make vocabulary acquisition faster and more enjoyable.

Q & A

What is the most important factor in language learning according to Steve Kaufmann?

Steve Kaufmann believes that vocabulary, or knowing words, is the most important aspect of language learning.

Why does Kaufmann discourage overanalyzing words and their different forms?

Kaufmann thinks overanalyzing words and their grammar forms complicates language learning unnecessarily. He believes language is best learned naturally by exposure to context.

What does Kaufmann suggest about the process of forgetting and relearning words?

Kaufmann emphasizes that forgetting and relearning are essential parts of language acquisition, as we gradually absorb and retain vocabulary through repeated exposure.

How does the LingQ platform help language learners with vocabulary acquisition?

LingQ counts words learners encounter, tracks the words they save, and provides statistics to measure progress, such as the number of known and unknown words in a text.

What does Kaufmann consider an ideal percentage of unknown words in a text for optimal learning?

Kaufmann personally finds that having 10-15% unknown words in a text is ideal for learning because it offers a good balance between encountering new vocabulary and understanding the material.

What is Kaufmann's 'Gordian knot' approach to learning vocabulary?

Kaufmann's 'Gordian knot' approach involves simplifying the process of language learning by focusing on recognizing words in context, rather than analyzing them deeply.

Why does Kaufmann believe learning vocabulary naturally is more effective than memorizing word lists for exams like TOEFL?

Kaufmann argues that word lists, like those used for TOEFL, often focus on low-frequency words that are easily forgotten and may not appear on the test. He believes that natural exposure to language is a more effective way to retain vocabulary.

How does the similarity between languages affect vocabulary acquisition according to Kaufmann?

Kaufmann explains that learning vocabulary is easier when the target language shares similarities with a language you already know, such as learning Portuguese if you know Spanish. However, with less familiar languages like Arabic or Persian, the process is slower.

What does Kaufmann think about complicated language learning theories and textbooks?

Kaufmann believes that many language learning theories and textbooks are overly complicated. He prefers Stephen Krashen's simpler approach of learning through exposure and enjoyment.

What is Kaufmann's advice for maintaining motivation in language learning?

Kaufmann advises learners to enjoy the language and keep engaging with content that meets their interests and level. This enjoyment and consistent exposure will help words stick over time.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Importance of Vocabulary in Language Learning

Steve Kaufmann discusses the critical role vocabulary plays in language learning. He addresses a common debate about what it means to 'know' a word, referencing various stages of word comprehension, such as understanding its grammar, associated meanings, and context recognition. Kaufmann argues against over-analyzing vocabulary acquisition, suggesting that learning words should be a natural process. He believes the first exposure to a word is just the start of gradually understanding it through repeated encounters in context, with no need for deep analysis. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity, recommending that learners focus on exposure rather than breaking down word families and grammar.

05:00

📊 The Role of Statistics in Language Learning

Kaufmann explains how language platforms, like LingQ, help learners track their vocabulary acquisition through statistics. The platform counts words, unknown words, and saved phrases to help learners measure progress. He shares his personal preference for texts with 10-15% unknown words, as this provides a good balance for learning without being overwhelmed. Kaufmann acknowledges that language learning involves a lot of forgetting and relearning, which is a natural part of the process. He advises keeping things simple by recognizing words passively rather than over-complicating the analysis.

✂️ Simplifying Vocabulary Acquisition with the Gordian Knot Approach

Kaufmann introduces the Gordian knot metaphor to describe his approach to language learning, advocating for cutting through complex theories to simplify the learning process. He suggests that recognizing words in context is sufficient for progress, rather than getting bogged down in detailed grammar or word family analyses. He highlights the importance of keeping learners motivated through simple methods like passive recognition and frequent exposure to words in different contexts.

💡 Forgetting as a Key Part of Language Learning

Forgetting and relearning are essential components of language acquisition, according to Kaufmann. He emphasizes that the process of learning a language is not linear but 'fuzzy,' where words are forgotten and later re-learned as the brain gradually forms connections. This natural process requires patience and motivation, as repeated exposure helps words and concepts stick over time. Kaufmann encourages learners to embrace this cycle of forgetting and relearning as a normal part of their language journey.

🧤 Personal Anecdote on Winter Weather and Self-care

Kaufmann briefly shares a personal story about dealing with cracks in his thumb caused by winter weather and dishwashing. He offers a lighthearted insight into how he treats the problem by using cream, saran wrap, and bandages. This anecdote adds a casual, personal touch to the video, offering a glimpse of his day-to-day life.

📖 Research on Vocabulary Acquisition

Kaufmann reflects on his extensive collection of books on vocabulary and language acquisition, mentioning several titles. He criticizes the overly complicated approaches in these books and promotes Stephen Krashen's theories as a simpler and more effective method for language learning. He highlights Krashen's book, 'Explorations in Language Acquisition and Use,' as a valuable resource that cuts through unnecessary complexity. Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of enjoying language rather than getting caught up in intricate theoretical frameworks.

📝 Critique of Vocabulary Books and TOEFL Preparation

Kaufmann critiques the practice of learning low-frequency words for exams like the TOEFL, arguing that this approach is inefficient. He points out that many of these words are quickly forgotten, and learners are better off focusing on natural language acquisition through reading and listening. He advises against using word lists for specific exams, suggesting that learners will naturally acquire vocabulary faster when the language has similarities to one they already know.

🌍 The Impact of Language Similarity on Learning Speed

Kaufmann discusses how the similarity between languages can affect the speed of vocabulary acquisition. For example, learners who know Spanish can quickly pick up Portuguese vocabulary, while learning languages like Arabic or Persian takes more time due to fewer shared words. Despite this, he emphasizes that the learning process remains the same regardless of language complexity. He encourages learners to focus on enjoying the process rather than racing to acquire specific words.

📚 Understanding Words in Context vs. Analyzing Grammar

Kaufmann references a complex definition of what it means to 'know' a word, which includes understanding its meaning, grammatical form, and relationships to other words. However, he dismisses these intricate explanations as irrelevant to actual language learning, arguing that simply reading and listening to a language in context is enough to learn vocabulary. He suggests that learners naturally absorb word usage without needing to study lexical sets or advanced grammar concepts.

🚀 Fast vs. Slow Vocabulary Acquisition Based on Language Familiarity

Kaufmann reiterates that vocabulary acquisition speed depends largely on how similar the target language is to one the learner already knows. For languages that share common vocabulary, progress can be swift, while less familiar languages take longer to master. He advises learners to accept that the learning process will take as long as it takes, emphasizing that enjoyment of the language and consistent exposure are the keys to success.

🎯 Key Strategies for Vocabulary Acquisition

Kaufmann concludes by emphasizing that successful vocabulary acquisition relies on maintaining motivation, surrounding oneself with content that meets personal interests and needs, and regularly exposing oneself to the language. He points viewers to two of his previous videos on vocabulary acquisition for additional insights and strategies. His overall message is to keep learning enjoyable and not to overcomplicate the process.

Keywords

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the set of words that a person knows and can use in a language. In the video, Steve Kaufmann emphasizes that vocabulary is the most important aspect of language learning, advocating for a more natural and simple approach to learning words rather than analyzing them in depth.

💡Language Learning

Language learning is the process of acquiring the ability to communicate in a language other than one's native tongue. Kaufmann discusses how vocabulary acquisition is central to this process and encourages learners to focus on reading and listening to the language, rather than complex analysis.

💡Word Recognition

Word recognition refers to the ability to identify and understand words when encountered in context. Kaufmann highlights this as a crucial stage in vocabulary acquisition, explaining that recognizing words in different contexts gradually helps learners understand their meaning without needing to overanalyze.

💡Forgetting and Relearning

Forgetting and relearning are natural aspects of the language learning process. Kaufmann points out that forgetting is inevitable, but relearning helps reinforce vocabulary, indicating that learners should not be discouraged by forgetting, as it is part of gradual language absorption.

💡Word Frequency

Word frequency refers to how often a word appears in a language. Kaufmann suggests that learners should focus on words that they encounter frequently in natural contexts, rather than trying to memorize low-frequency words for exams like the TOEFL, as these are less likely to stick.

💡LingQ

LingQ is an online platform for language learning that tracks words learners read, save, and don't know. Kaufmann explains how LingQ uses these statistics to motivate learners by showing their progress and providing a simplified way to measure vocabulary acquisition.

💡Natural Language Acquisition

Natural language acquisition is the process of learning a language by immersing oneself in it, primarily through reading and listening, without focusing on explicit grammar or vocabulary drills. Kaufmann advocates for this approach, emphasizing enjoyment and exposure to content as key to learning.

💡Simplification

Simplification in the context of the video refers to Kaufmann's argument that learners should simplify their approach to language learning. Instead of analyzing the various aspects of knowing a word, learners should focus on recognizing words and using them in context, akin to the 'Gordian knot' approach.

💡Stephen Krashen

Stephen Krashen is a linguist and advocate of language acquisition theories, especially the input hypothesis, which emphasizes the importance of exposure to comprehensible input. Kaufmann praises Krashen's work as offering a simplified, effective solution to language learning without overcomplicating it.

💡Contextual Learning

Contextual learning refers to understanding words based on the situations or contexts in which they are used. Kaufmann stresses that learners should acquire words by encountering them in various contexts rather than isolating and memorizing definitions, as this helps them grasp a word's meaning more naturally.

Highlights

Vocabulary is the most important thing in language learning.

There is too much analysis in learning words, but vocabulary is acquired gradually by seeing words in different contexts.

Far better to look up words than to guess at their meanings.

At LingQ, we track the number of words you read and save, providing motivating statistics.

A good balance for learning is encountering 10-15% unknown words in a text.

LingQ counts different forms of words as separate words for simplicity, even if they belong to the same family.

The process of learning words is like a fuzzy process of forgetting and relearning.

Learning should be simplified, focusing on word recognition in context rather than complex analysis.

Language acquisition is a natural process, and enjoying reading and listening leads to gradual word retention.

It's easier to learn a new language if it shares many common words with a language you already know.

Using structured methods like TOEFL vocabulary lists is less effective because low-frequency words are easily forgotten.

Steve Kaufmann advocates Stephen Krashen's approach to language acquisition: keep it simple and focus on natural input.

Most formal vocabulary teaching methods overcomplicate the learning process.

Forgetting and relearning words is a natural part of language learning, so learners should stay motivated.

Learning words quickly depends on how similar the new language is to languages you already know.

Transcripts

Hi there, Steve Kaufmann here.

Today I'm going to talk about vocabulary, words, the most

important thing in language learning.

Remember if you enjoy these videos, please subscribe, uh, click on

the bell to get notifications.

The reason I'm talking about this is that I saw in a discussion the

other day on, uh, language learning.

Someone said, you know, there are, uh, what does it mean to know a word?

There are all these different stages of knowing a word.

And there was a great analysis of knowing, you know, a grammar of the

word, which word it's used with the different meanings of the word, the

scope of meaning of the word, whether you can just recognize it in context.

And to me, all of that is not important.

I think there is far too much analysis.

Uh, yes, there is a continuum.

The first time we see a word, we don't know what it means, of course, or we

may guess at it, or we're probably better not to guess by the way, better

to look it up has been my experience, but, uh, we get a sense of what the

word might mean in a certain context.

And gradually we see the word in other contexts, and we have a sense

of the scope of meaning of that word.

Maybe the word only has one obvious, meaning like, uh, you know, a wood

wood can only be wood W-O-O-D uh, but wooden can mean that someone is

not very responsive or emotional, so there can be, you know, shades

of meaning of these different words.

But these are all things that we gradually acquire and there's no particular benefit

in analyzing these different ways in which we know a word, in my opinion.

For example, at LingQ, I think one of the very useful things

that link is that we count words.

We count the words that you have read.

We count the number of words or phrases that you have saved.

We tell you how many words you don't know, because you haven't

seen them before at LingQ.

And from that, we develop a lot of statistics, uh, which are motivating.

We have milestones of your achievements, or you can judge the

difficulty of a certain text by how many unknown words there are there.

I personally find 10 to 15%, um, unknown words is kind of ideal because

I'm learning enough new words, but I'm not having to look up every second

or third word, but this'll be, you know, it'll vary from person, person.

So, but we don't worry, like people say, well, you know, you can't claim to know

15,000 words because at LingQ we count each form of the word as a different word.

Yeah, it's easier for the computer to measure that.

The computer has it for time working out if this word is part of a word family

or not, you know, activity, active, action, are they part of the same family?

Whatever.

I don't know.

So words, I think it's best to simplify, to have a Gordian knot approach.

The Gordian knot of course, was Alexander was asked to untie this

knot, and he just cut it with a sword.

Simplify.

The number of words that you can recognize passively in a given context.

Good enough.

For LingQ, it's good enough.

Uh, you may find the next time you see it.

You don't know what it means because we forget so much.

We forget so much.

Forgetting is such a big part of language learning.

Forgetting and relearning, forgetting and relearning is, is such an important part.

And because therefore the process is kind of like a fuzzy process

where we are gradually absorbing the language and the brain is starting to

connect certain things and forgets...

to forget certain things.

And as long as we are motivated and keep going, we will acquire

more and more of the language.

Now, I decided to do a little bit of research for today's video.

By the way, you'll notice that my thumb is okay.

Some people expressed, you know, the wish that my thumb get better.

And all it is is that, uh, with the winter weather and I do all the dishwashing

and I really should wear gloves, but then I started getting these little,

uh, you know, chaps or, or whatever you want, call it, splits in my thumb.

And so I put a little bit of cream there, a little bit of, uh,

you know, um, saran wrap and...

bandage it, and that way it gets better.

Uh, now, so I went to my, uh, book shelf.

Now I have a lot of books on a variety of subjects.

I like history.

I like politics.

I like a lot of different things, but also on language.

So I just went and got the books that I have here that deal with words.

Vocabulary, and Language Teaching.

Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition, Vocabulary Description, Acquisition,

and Pedagogy, The Online Educator, that's a little different...

Second Language Acquisition, Rod Ellis.

Language Teaching Methodology, How Languages are Learned, whatever.

I have a lot of books.

I've read them.

I think they're overly complicated.

I think that all of that, the Gordian solution is Stephen Krashen.

So here is one book that I got when I was in Taiwan, attending a language

conference where he was speaking, it's called Explorations in Language

Acquisition and Use, The Taipei Lectures.

Very inexpensive and tremendous value.

And it cuts through all the unnecessary, uh, stuff, uh, Learning

Vocabulary in Another Language.

And I could go through them and, I mean, it doesn't really matter.

Any page, you open designing and using a simplified reading scheme for vocabulary

development, making decisions, using labeled diagrams, vocabulary in discourse,

reading and sentence completion...

it's a whole bunch of stuff that just complicates everything.

Just keep enjoying the language.

Then to have these, also on the subject of how to accumulate

words, you have these like TOEFL.

So they have a bunch of words and, and, uh, you know, essential TOEFL vocabulary.

You'll work very hard to learn the word "treasury" or "preconception"

or whatever in the hope that that word will show up on your TOEFL test.

But the reality is that word frequency, declines so quickly that a lot of those

low frequency words that you'll go to all that trouble to try and learn, you're

going to forget them and chances are, they won't show up on the TOEFL exam.

So you're better off to simply spend your time enjoying the language,

reading and listening as much as you can to acquire the language naturally.

And in that natural way, eventually words will stick and

words can stick quite quickly.

It all depends, really...

Just going to check my time here.

You know, it all depends on how similar the language is to

a language you already know.

So, uh, I, uh, did a video where I was doing Czech in

with my knowledge of Russian

I accumulated words very quickly.

Um, you know, if you know Spanish and you do Portuguese, you're accumulating, you're

going to accumulate words very quickly.

On the other hand, learning Arabic or Persian, uh, not so fast.

And in fact, the biggest help is Arabic words in Persian

or Persian words in Turkish,

and so it depends what language, you know.

Uh, if you're dealing with a language that has very few common, you know, bits of

vocabulary, it's going to take you quite a while, but the process is still the same.

It's not doing these TOEFL books, it's not doing special...

oh, and I should, I was going to read you something too.

I Googled, uh, "what does it mean to know a word?"

And so you got this tremendously complicated, you know, understanding

its basic meaning, denotation, connotation, understanding the

grammatical form, understanding that words may have more than one meaning.

We know that from every language.

Understanding what variety of English word belongs to.

The word doesn't belong to any variety.

Okay.

Uh, just by dint of reading or listening to English around a certain context,

you're going to learn that vocabulary.

Uh, so, and knowing how it relates to other words in lexical, uh sets, hyponomy,

meronymy, synonymy, antonomy, I mean, all of this stuff is tremendously complicated.

It keeps the language teachers busy, but it has very little to do with learning.

Learning is very simple.

Learning words and learning words fast...

If you want to learn fast, then choose a language which has a lot of words in

common with a language you already know, otherwise be resigned to the fact that

it's going to take as long as it takes.

And as long as you are enjoying what you are doing, as long as

you are enjoying the language.

As long as you have done the things that I referred to in my video on,

on having a language plan and you've got content surrounding you that

meets your needs and meets your interests and is that your level,

and you keep at it, the words are eventually gonna stick.

And that's all you can really do.

And, uh, you know, to, to finish off, I would direct you to two videos that I did

on the subject of vocabulary acquisition, and the importance of words to reinforce

what I've been talking about today.

So there you go.

Thank you for listening.

Bye for now.