Learning Japanese: Steve Kaufmann

“Steve Kaufmann, CEO and founder of Lingq.com, is a lifelong language learner who now speaks 11 languages. He is a proponent of natural and enjoyable language learning. You can find his blog at www.thelinguist.blogs.com”

I found Steve Kaufmann when I was looking for ways on how to study Japanese. And I found some very useful tips that apply to learning any language. Basically it comes down to 7 bulletpoints that are subject of his document:

Steve Kaufmann - The Seven Secrets of Successful Language Learning:

1. Spend the Time
What he means is that you need to be willing and able to spend the necessary time to acquiring a new language. One evening per week is not sufficient, you need a bigger engagement.

2. Do what you Like To Do
Several people recommend to start doing the things you really, really like, in the language you want to study. As long as it’s fun and interesting, you will be highly motivated.

3. Learn to Notice
Try to look at the language actively, not simply absorbing in a passive way but trying to see patterns, returning words, often used sentences, and so on.

4. Words over Grammar
Steve insists that before you can communicate, you need to know a lot of words. Even if your grammar stinks, if you know your words, you can get away with the errors. Grammar is important, but will come afterwards.

5. Be Patient
This is the most difficult one. If you get results, it’s fun and motivating to on. But in the beginning, there will be little progress. At least, that what’s seems to be happening. But in fact you are making progress: every word you learn, every hiragana you can remember, every kanji you can recognize is a small victory. You will have to make an effort to be your own motivator and recognize (and award) those small victories.

6. Get the Tools
Success depends on a lot of factors. Proper equipment is a one-time purchase. So equip yourself with the best you can get, within reasons, and you will have one less factor out of the way to victory.

7. Become an Independent Language learner
What Steve means here, is that you should not be dependent on other people for your study. You should take charge, you should be in control of what’s happening. It’s always good and interesting to listen to others if you can learn something, but at the end you alone are responsible for your success. If you are serious about your study, become independent and find your own road to success.


I found these tips very useful, and I try to follow them as much as possible. Steve has explained all these is his youtube clips, and they can be found on his channel.

Highly recommended, as well as his other language related videoclips.