Steve Kaufmann: My Method for Learning Languages from Scratch

Summary

Steve Kaufmann shares his language learning process from scratch, emphasizing the importance of starting with a beginner book for an overview. He advocates for engaging with authentic content early on, using tools like LingQ to look up words and save them for review. Kaufmann stresses the power of combining listening and reading for better retention and suggests focusing on short, repeated content to build understanding. He also touches on the significance of moving to interesting material to maintain motivation and the role of speaking to identify gaps in knowledge.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start with a beginner book to get a basic overview of the language structure and vocabulary.
• 🔍 Use language learning platforms like LingQ to look up words, save them, and immerse in the language.
• 🎧 Emphasize listening and reading together for a powerful language learning combination.
• 📝 Initially, focus on short content with transcripts to aid in understanding and vocabulary acquisition.
• 🔁 Repeatedly listen to the same content to reinforce learning and comprehension.
• 📚 Transition from beginner material to more interesting and authentic content as you progress.
• 🗣️ Speak the language as soon as possible to identify gaps and improve listening and reading skills.
• 👂 Listening to language content while doing other activities can help maintain focus and improve understanding.
• 📈 Gradually incorporate noticing and learning key expressions and phrases as comprehension improves.
• 🌐 Engage with a variety of content related to the history and culture of the language's country to stay motivated.
• 📈 Consistent daily listening, even in short sessions, contributes significantly to language acquisition.

Q & A

What is Steve Kaufmann's current focus in language learning?

Steve Kaufmann is currently focusing on learning four Slavic languages, although he mentions that he has studied these languages to varying degrees before.

What does Steve Kaufmann recommend as the first step in learning a new language from scratch?

He suggests buying a starter book like 'Teach Yourself', 'Assimil', or 'Colloquial' to get an overview of the language, including its grammar and some dialogues.

How does Steve Kaufmann approach the initial learning phase of a new language?

He goes through the starter book to get a sense of the language, not necessarily to remember everything, but to get an introduction and an overview of the grammar.

What is Steve Kaufmann's preferred method for engaging with language content?

He prefers using LingQ, where he can look up every word, save words, and immerse himself in listening and reading, which he finds to be a powerful combination.

Why does Steve Kaufmann emphasize the importance of listening and reading together?

He believes that listening and reading together are powerful because they provide both an audio and a visual record of the language, which helps in accumulating vocabulary and understanding.

How does Steve Kaufmann handle the challenge of listening to content he doesn't understand yet?

He starts by listening to short bits of content with a transcript, allowing him to look up words and piece together the meaning, even if it's still a blur when listening.

What is Steve Kaufmann's strategy for reviewing and retaining new vocabulary?

He uses flashcards and other activities like closed tests or multiple choice at LingQ to intensively work on the new material because it's so new to him.

How does Steve Kaufmann deal with the boredom of listening to beginner-level content?

He moves to a stage where he's motivated by his interest in the content, often choosing books related to the history of the country where the language is spoken.

What does Steve Kaufmann suggest about the process of learning the most important words of a language?

He implies that focusing on the most important 1000 words is not a primary concern at the beginning; instead, getting hooked on the language and starting with beginner material is more important.

How does Steve Kaufmann incorporate speaking into his language learning process?

He suggests that after a period of listening and reading, one should start speaking to identify gaps in understanding and to receive feedback, which increases attentiveness in listening and reading.

What is Steve Kaufmann's estimated timeline for learning a new language like Turkish or Arabic?

He estimates that with dedicated learning time, including listening for about an hour a day and using LingQ for additional practice, he could present videos of himself speaking the new language within a year.