Learning a Language is not Difficult, but Speaking is

[@andrelangraf6850]

I learn languages just for the pleasure of speaking another language. That's what makes me motivated.

[@giovannastenzel212]

Exactly, that's what give me thrills!

[@andrelangraf6850]

@@giovannastenzel212 There you go!

[@erturtemirbaev5207]

Where are you from?

[@MicromataDxD]

Me too is very satisfactory speak other lenguage Pd: my english is bad xd

[@andrelangraf6850]

@@MicromataDxD Great! Keep learning you'll improve it ;

[@voynich7119]

I noticed this as well. I put a lot of time into learning Spanish so far and I understand it fairly well. Recently though, I thought to myself "Hey, I could use some speaking practice. So why not book a lesson online to speak with a native teacher?" This was a great decision, as a soon noticed, that I'm not able to say a few sentences without hesitation or loss for words. Speaking is hard. And, like you said, it's often times uncomfortable. You feel stupid stuttering your way through a sentence, stopping every few seconds to search a word and making every grammatical error possible you thought you had learned ages ago. But it is a necessary step to actually conquering the language. I'm glad that I have finally convinced myself to ignore my insecurity and just speak to someone.

[@microtrabecula]

I totally agree with you. I think that here is where Krashen gets it wrong. One can become an expert at reading and listening material in another language just by processing INPUT, because that is the same thing. However, speaking is another thing. I met people that can read Shakespeare or understand movies without subtitles but speak like Tarzan.

[@codybouscaren6492]

100% correct. Comprehensible input is key, but is only half of the equation.

[@franciscofuentes8916]

@@codybouscaren6492 It's only half but it is the first half. I think it all boils down to the way a baby learns a language. Kids learn the language but still go to school, still learn grammar, etc.

[@peterhenderson5413]

Francisco Fuentes but krashen has proven that children don’t learn language through classes in school, grammar is a useless waste of time that would be much better spent reading. Speaking comes with time and progress but has nothing to do with grammar study in class.

[@codybouscaren6492]

@@peterhenderson5413 Krashen hasn't proven anything. He proposed theories that caught on in the general public. Also, first language and second language acquisition are not the same.

[@Tehui1974]

LMAO

[@gordonbgraham]

I've lived in Japan for 30 years. It honestly took me 5 years to be conversational and 15 years to be literate. Input is the necessary first step, but without output it's very difficult to retain that what you've "learned". Certainly, one can easily acquire phrases that are high repetition type phrases, such as those related to functions like shopping, greetings and those related to simple daily life related content. It's another thing altogether to absorb the mountain of random words and phrases that are buried in a sea of incomprehensible sounds at native speaker speed. Anyone studying a second language also needs to read and write more. 2nd language learners don't learn the same way as native speakers because they don't get the same kind of toddler step by step programming from the get go. Mothers asking their babies "are you hungry" then giving the child milk or breast feeding it, or saying "sleepy time" then putting the child in the crib...then graduating to "What do you want to eat" or "Let's go to the park"...phrase repeated over and over again, until the child reproduces them. It's fine if a 2nd language learner has the time and patience to accept speaking like a toddler after 3 years and a small child after 5, but without a much higher increase of input AND output a 2nd language learner will have a difficult time becoming fluent and literate. Yes, one needs to listen and speak more...but she/he also needs to read and write more. Reading and writing allows for a more controlled focus rather than being at the mercy of a cacophony of discordant sounds.

[@andrewl5201]

I disagree on language learning being the same in the 50s as it is now. Technology has made a lot of things possible even if you're in the country. Just a thought

[@Deniz-dr7ky]

Yea ,the possibilities for accessible technology are greater than they were 20 years ago in part..In this way, today we can learn much more easily aren't we?

[@StephJ0seph]

This is so true Thanks to the internet, I'm an intermediate in Korean and I've never set foot in Korea!

[@N0rmad]

I don't think he meant *language learning* hasn't changed. He means that French the language it self hasn't somehow become easier to learn since then but there is less cultural inertia and segregation between anglophones and francophones in Montreal. All other things being equal that alone will make a huge difference in how many people learn French.

[@cahierdepluie9590]

@@N0rmad agreed! also, no matter what year yoy learn a language, the key is input (learning vocabulary), improving comprehension (listening), and then practise (speak, write, read and listen some more)... toujours les mêmes choses, en ce moment ou bien le futur 😁

[@dro6619000]

Speak, even if you are wrong. People will help you communicate. Steve. Aways appreciate your posts.

[@rashidah9307]

Thank you for this encouraging video! I'm so grateful for every polyglot who affirms that we all can learn foreign languages if we're willing to put in the effort and step outside of our comfort zone.

[@jhonvictordeporto9544]

I am Brazilian, and I dont speak Inglesh very well, but, I never gives up of my fluence, i love inglesh and Steve is an ispiration for me and Brazilians (smarts).

[@thorodinson6649]

Hilariously lusophonic

[@rumiqdj]

Hey Steve, I totally agree. I've been living in England since 11 months and I've been listenining to English at least 2hrs a day since 17 months. I can understand more and more but speaking is the most difficult part of it. Hence, we need not to give up and comper ourself to native speakers but speak a bit gradually every day and you'll get there.

[@Tehui1974]

How's your English now, 7 years later?

[@kayleeyeonkyungcho7943]

I like your videos so much! and I really look up your enthusiasm in learning languages. I'm Korean and I've moved to US for the college now, so I'm getting there being fluent in English. I was searching a lot of videos on KZbin today to get some of linguistic tips in learning French, which is my current challenge and I'm really happy that I found your channel. Thank you for motivating me a lot! I want to work for international affairs just like you.

[@binwaitin]

Hi Steve iam from Scotland learning arabic and it's been a long road and I think I have longer to go to fluency but I just like to say your videos inspire me with your enthusiasm . So thAnk you . 👍

[@alhajibrahim3745]

هل تتحدث العربية الان ؟

[@omarperezprada]

Steve your videos motivated me to learnd the language English, with a relentless pursuit of words. And changing my mindset front the learning language. Thanks so much

[@RicardoSilvaTripcall]

I've lived in Australia for about 1 year and during that time my spoken english improved a lot, after that I went back to Brazil, and it is really hard to find someone to have a conversation in english, another important point on my view, it is hard to find someone at the same level, because I think it is even harder to have to low your level to speak to someone in another language, but as you said, language wise, we must be always motivated, another thing, during my stay in Australia I was able to realize how focusing too much on grammar can damage your speaking skills, I think this can be a good subject for one of your videos.

[@Kamillouu]

I speak french, german and english and find it easy to understand some languages like dutch, spanish or portugese, but speaking it is so difficult...

[@cvskrrt2907]

+Camille S Allright

[@wafaaboubeker3655]

Isn't german same as dutch?

[@4chan53]

cheez corns Nope. Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands, but they don’t speak German

[@rudymelo880]

German and Dutch are different. You might be thinking of Deutsch (the german word for 'german')

[@LetThereBeLightxx]

@@rudymelo880 i believe she means its similar like Portuguese and spanish..

[@lance7757]

Well said Steve. Im a firm believer that its important to master every single element of the language youre studying so youre well rounded. Reading and listening is probably the 2 most important elements to aid you in the long process of mastering speaking and of course vocabulary.

[@2euphonium]

Thank you Steve. Your comments are spot on. I have been learning Portuguese for nearly 8 months now. The initial motivation was a visit to Brazil but now my goal is to be able to talk and write to the many friends I have made. I discipline myself to study everyday. It is amazing how much wasted time there is in each day. I use my travel time to and from work to listen or to read Brazilian Portuguese. So as a minimum I spend around two hours a day learning. I think that dedication, motivation and self discipline are vitally important for learning a new language.

[@dewrimsirine]

you are totally right.

[@patfromamboy]

I’ve been studying Portuguese for over 8.5 years now and I’ve visited Brazil 18 times but I still can’t converse or read yet. I practice every day with my girlfriend who only speaks Portuguese and we’ve been practicing for over 5.5 years now but I still can’t understand her. I have to translate everything into English to understand. Everything sounds like gibberish. How did you learn how to converse? Thanks

[@AveTyr]

I'm native Russian and I think my level of English is B2\C1. And approximately 2 years ago I decided to learn one of scandinavian languages. I really think if I didn't know english my learning would do better, because for me it's way easier to speak in English with Norwegians or Swedish rather than in Norwegian ( yep, that's my target language) Even that I learned enough words to at least to maintain an everyday life conversation it's still easier to switch to English. So, in that case, English is a blessing and curse. It helps to communicate with Scandinavians, because 90% of them speak English quite well, but prevents me from getting motivation to actually speak Norwegian.

[@marcopolo3001]

I would say sometimes we feel getting our hands dirty in a new language is the hardest part. We are unwilling to let go of our own comfort zone and keeping with our primary language.

[@daysandwords]

I know you made this comment 2 years ago but... Yes, I completely agree. Which is why I think it should be done EARLY. A lot of these "input" guys advocate for like 6 months or even a year before making their first sound, and they say "Well that way you don't waste time trying to say things that you can't" and that's possibly true, but you have also NEVER had your hands dirty. I dived into speaking Swedish after 3 weeks of learning. So I got really really really dirty haha. 3 months later I spoke Swedish reasonably comfortably, and another year later, pretty fluently. But I attribute that mainly to being USED to being uncomfortable.

[@concentrateddarkmatter7991]

For me, it was feeling stupid. However, I once went to a little park party with my father and his coworkers, which are mostly Spanish and speak very little English, (I live in Flordia) but they were so happy with my attempts, more enthusiastic then I thought

[@MrUkandUSA]

After 5 years of studying Spanish in School (I'm 17 and live in the US), my Spanish vocabulary and grammar is very good. I can conjugate with ease and I can talk about most subjects, but understanding what native speakers say to me continues to be a large struggle. I'm in El Salvador on vacation now, and I can definitely get by here, but I can't truly talk to the people on a level that I feel that I should. It is a shame.

[@Thelinguist]

You need to listen more. I mean listen a lot, and listen to texts that you can also read. Work on it. Comprehension is key to good become a good conversationalist in the language.

[@Kamillouu]

Global Rain Spanish people speak really fast you know, you have nothing to be ashamed about. Ask them to speak slower maybe ?

[@ppaaccoojrf]

How did you like El Salvador?

[@MrUkandUSA]

***** Me encantaba :)

[@ppaaccoojrf]

Global Rain me alegra escuchar eso!

[@kauancorte541]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this particular topic. You motive me to keep learning. Your words of wisdom!

[@discuss2130]

In adult learning in belgium, fresh initiatives now encourage beginners to start speaking in a new language straight away. Despite comments made here, I found it a most useful technique. It develops confidence, facilitates communication and promotes early understanding. I found lessons interesting and motivating. It worked for me in dutch, spanish and french.

[@Thelinguist]

discuss21 To each his or her own. I don't see how speaking when one does not understand much contributes to confidence, or facilitates communication. But I guess it also depends on whether one is in a classroom or learning on one's own.

[@AdamCHowell]

I lived in China for two years and barely learnt any Chinese. I've learnt far far more Chinese since returning to England a year ago. A big part of the difference is that I started to focus on learning to read chinese... Something I previously ignored because I thought it would be harder. It gave me focus and a reason to improve. Other issues I had in China were: the learning resources weren't appropriate and I had no good guidance or idea how to learn a language (despite being surrounded by language teachers), various chinese people would teach me words for random things like boat and street light when I was barely able to say ni hao, audio tapes seeming like a waste of time for me (I seem to need things written out in front of me), the limited language books I had barely got me anywhere, and being dyslexic I make many spelling mistakes in pinyin. I'm still bad at talking, but for now I feel my language learning is really coming along.

[@Thelinguist]

Interesting. TryLingQ.

[@Argottardi]

Hello my friend. I am from Brazil, and I speak 3 languages, English (intermediate level) , Spanish and Portuguese. Unfortunaly, when a stranger come to Brazil, the guy just speak English, in other words, the stranger does not effort theirselve to speak Portuguese, so the guy never will Learning Our language. Steve, congratulation for your Portuguese.

[@patfromamboy]

I’ve been studying Portuguese for over 8.5 years now and I’ve visited Brazil 18 times but I still can’t converse or understand what people are saying. I practice every day with my girlfriend who only speaks Portuguese and we’ve been practicing for over 5.5 years now but I still can’t understand her. I have to translate everything into English to understand, even the words that I know.

[@thorodinson6649]

@@patfromamboychange strategy

[@christiandufourmentel3237]

Understanding is the most difficult step, and that’s obvious. In English the schwa sound, the tonic accent without forgetting, the different kinds of pronunciation... links between words. In English 'a piece a cake' instead of 'a piece of cake' In French 'J'te dis pas' (je ne te dis pas) _ J'me fais du souci (je me fais du souci) In English : especially US English 'gonna' gotta' 'gotcha' 'kinda' The sounds in the English language are not consistent with those in the alphabet. Despite my Franglais, I make myself understood at 95 percent, but I don’t always understand everything. It is obvious that to understand you, Mr Kaufmann, is very easy. Même en français, je n'ai aucun mal à vous comprendre. Compliments. SVP, monsieur, ne dites pas que l'anglais est facile. C'est faux. le nombre de 'phonèmes est bien plus important en anglais qu'en français. Le nombre de mots aussi (for, from, out of.. simplement pour dire "de"du") Plus de 3500 phrasal verbs... 'Et j'en passe, et des pas mûres' = This is a hard one to digest. OR " and I go on and on and on" English is not that easy you know. Thank you. Merci. I enjoy listening to you and look up to you so much. But for once I do not agree with you. So sorry!

[@cncredalert17]

I was just talking with my teacher about this same topic. Reading and listening in a foreign language is easy but speaking and writing is difficult. In other words, the inputs are easy, the outputs are hard haha. Thank you, Steve for this encouragement.

[@gambitgambitgambit]

Hi Steve, I've started learning Spanish over the last couple of months. Currently I can only speak English. Thanks for all the videos, they have helped a lot.

[@wesvanconstruction8328]

Hi Steve, I’m Eric YAN. So nice talking to you tonight. I’m impressed your capacity of multiple languages speaking.

[@Thelinguist]

Nice meeting you too.

[@VolnirBorre1]

Steve, I'm Brazilian... and I say: You speak Portuguese very well. I understood all the phrases you speak! Congratulations!

[@Alexander-dh3uk]

Com sotaque meio forte mas pro pouco tempo que ele estudou ele fala muito bem mesmo !

[@gabrielchew5700]

@@Alexander-dh3uk Todos temos sotaque até sendo fluente, mas como você disse , realmente o cara falou português muito bem

[@Alexander-dh3uk]

@@gabrielchew5700 sim porém as vezes soa mais fraco quando já temos um domínio, Mas nem importa isso kkk pelo menos pra mim importa a comunicação. Steve é um dos poliglotas que mais admiro.

[@zarifishmam809]

You can learn a language almost too easily now with the help of the internet(given that you spend enough time studying about; you can get an intermediate/advanced understanding of most languages with 400-1200 hours which is about 2 hours of studying for 6/8 months to 2 years max)but that doesn't really teach you how to speak fluently, the best way to do that is to just speak that language with native/another person who speaks that language. It's also possible to accquire it by consuming media in that language/listening to stories/audiobooks in that language. I speak 6 languages and while learning Japanese I noticed how after I had gotten the basic of Japanese watching anime and sometimes reading manga in Japanese really expedited my learning and speaking progress.

[@DANNY678ism]

lack of motivation is the greatest weakness...

[@d.lawrence5670]

truer words have never been spoken, especially when it comes to language learning, or anything, really

[@kullkriss]

Just fall in love with a person who is a native speaker of the target language

[@cahierdepluie9590]

have you guys tried attempting to talk in the lanuage after a little bit of input. Everytime i do this i realise that i forget alot because i am nervous and put on the spot. but i find i like the conversation i am having because i like the person and then im even more motivated to learn because i want to be able to speak freely with this person...😁 that was badly explained, but i hope you understand and try it!

[@vgcamello]

Hi Steve! Im from Brazil and had the same problem this fela had when I lived in Switzerland. I lived there for 6 months and didnt learn how to even say good morning. Now Im studing German and figured out that it was just about fear. My mind was blocked because I always thought and heard that german was impossible to a latin speaker learn, what currently I figured out is not true.

[@michaelshort2388]

I think it depends on your situation. Learning Swedish I have had the same experience as you, I haven't had a lot of exposure to speaking and so speaking is difficult for me, but I found the language itself quite easy to learn. However, I was speaking to a swede here the other day, and she said her kids can speak it well (because she speaks to them in Swedish) but they don't get a lot of exposure to the written language, so that's what they find hard.

[@sandydegener6436]

All languages are based on 3 operations. Learn how to work these, and their sub operations (like the use of verbs) and with enough use of the material, you too can speak the language of your choice.

[@nicollasfelipe4021]

I agree one hundred with you. I speak English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and now I'm learning French. Learn a language is not difficult, speak is difficult.

[@mybestideas1]

Maybe you speak English, but clearly , you're not writing well. A2 level is not 'I speak' level.

[@quadgod77]

Great video! It sure highlights my struggle with German right now. I learned the language, but not how to speak it. I'm learning how to speak it with a teach at Berlitz. :)

[@MrMaxxxas]

Дякую за ваші відео! Дуже цікаво Вас слухати:) я як раз вчу англійску, і Ви надихаєте:)

[@SoulmateParis]

Great video thanks ! How to get to the point to speak a new language is really difficult and somewhat mysterious! Maybe the best way is to do like children and repeat phrases out loud until the new patterns become natural ? It's a fascinating topic and your points of you are very valuable

[@Danko_Sekulic]

Very true!! I am fluent in only two foreign languages but I can understand four more ! Being tone deaf doesn't help, either!

[@batdude811]

I disagree. Languages are difficult. Some polyglots don't (and sometimes can't) learn languages well and take them to a high level. It is very typical of polyglots. Quantity over quality. That is not how you do it. There is a huge gap of requirement to learn a language at A2 level than C1/C2 level. Learning a few nice words or phrases just doesn't cut it. Memorizing a speech in 20+ languages doesn't cut it either. Where is the spontaneity and the natural flow? It takes time, it takes effort and i agree there are techniques to aid you in the progression process but the long and short of language learning is it takes hard work and a long time to get to a high level.

[@milanpaudel9624]

after your understanding of the language is near Native language, you will all of sudden start thinking in the language you are learning. I have been thinking everything in English for some months but I don't know since when, one day I just realized "ah man I been thinking in English lately , more than my Native". Then words just start coming out of your mouth, will it make you fluent ? No, far from that. Then You have Italki for that, Just talk to Native speaker regularly and you will get fluent. High vocabulary doesn't mean you will be more fluent. I once talked with a girl from LA , she was 25 , yet she didn't know the meaning of "infatuation " , still she is a native speaker of English, and I suck in speaking English. Speaking is just like swimming/drawing/cycling ie. you can't learn just from Theory you gotto Use it and Practice it a lot.

[@aditheroyal3927]

BLACK CAT It doesn't matter if someone is a native speaker of English (or any language) you don't know all the words and don't always know words that you don't use . Like I'm a native English speaker but I sometimes have to look up certain words especially like for example if it's like medical words that you won't know unless you are in that field . You can be fluent and not know ever single thing since I was born speaking English but I don't know every word also we all make mistakes and Grammer mistakes even in our native language. PS. Her age doesn't matter , there are some words some people just don't use or have to use in daily life yes there are exceptions but still like if you play games that are in a certain time period you will know different words that not everyone will know although the word she didn't know isn't hard it's not that uncommon for people not to know it .

[@badger500]

I agree. Of course learning a foreign language as an adult is difficult. I would put it on par with learning classical piano with sight reading (not even at a professional level but "Impress your friends" level). To say it's not difficult is misleading.

[@johncates6215]

Totally agreed with you, when you are focusing on the width, it's most likely you will lose the depth. However, it's a question why would anyone tries to acquire multiple languages where there is no huge benefits, and why would anyone tries to master the language to the degreed of high level? The motivation is debatable and meaningless in the same time on this matter. The fact is, most of us only tries to learn a second language instead of trying to become a polyglots. Overall, Steve has a lot of experiences, his logic and point of view are pretty helpful.

[@BrooksEM]

Add to that, I think there is the added hurdle when comparing your native language to the one you are learning. An English-speaking person can learn Spanish or French or German much faster than say Chinese, Polish or Turkish. It's not just vocabulary and phrases, but also the structure of the language plays a strong role in the speed in which you acquire a foreign language. Take English and Turkish for example. Native speakers of either have a tough time learning because the languages are like mirror opposites of each other. English is loaded with prepositions, for example, while Turkish utilizes postpositions (suffixes). English has a SVO order while Turkish has a (S)OV order- often omitting the subject all together. My point is that learning speed can also be influenced by the difference in the L1 and L2.

[@rosebarbaro1969]

Spot on , when started you can't stop.

[@flaguser4196]

There's also the physical/articulation/muscular aspect to it. I anticipate tonal and consonant-rich languages will take more effort.

[@Fabricio30001]

You can speak so many languages well that I don't even know what is yours native

[@selm006425]

Interestingly enough I usually have just the opposite problem! And what I mean by this is that being a native English speaker can be quite frustrating at times, where sometimes even if you address someone in their native language, they often answer you in English just so they can practice their English - do you come across that often?

[@Thelinguist]

E Louisa Some answer in English and I continue in English, some answer in my language. Doesn't bother me.

[@FLlTTER]

I can read French perfectly (except for some words that I don't recognize) but I can't speak it very well and can't understand it at all without reading along. Is this a normal thing?

[@Thelinguist]

flitter Normal, you need to listen and speak more.

[@FLlTTER]

Thanks for the advice, then!

[@hervebelval4807]

probably you need to listen radio more and more maybe 500 hours and after you ll be able suddenly to speak with any french People. ànother part of your brain will work Learning with books id important but no sufficient to get improved, listening is as much important

[@thepezfeo]

+HERVE BELVAL French seems difficult for me to understand. I can listen to something in French but couldn't say any of the words back. I don't seem to have this problem with other Romance lang.s like Spanish or Italian. I know Spanish somewhat and don't know Italian, but after listening to Italian I could say some of the words back (even if I don't know what they mean). I think it has something to do with the Rhythm, Enunciation, or something similar.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@Thelinguist I've lived in Japan for 30 years. It honestly took me 5 years to be conversational and 15 years to be literate. Input is the necessary first step, but without output it's very difficult to retain that what you've "learned". Certainly, one can easily acquire phrases that are high repetition type phrases, such as those related to functions like shopping, greetings and those related to simple daily life related content. It's another thing altogether to absorb the mountain of random words and phrases that are buried in a sea of incomprehensible sounds at native speaker speed. Anyone studying a second language also needs to read and write more. 2nd language learners don't learn the same way as native speakers because they don't get the same kind of toddler step by step programming from the get go. Mothers asking their babies "are you hungry" then giving the child milk or breast feeding it, or saying "sleepy time" then putting the child in the crib...then graduating to "What do you want to eat" or "Let's go to the park"...phrase repeated over and over again, until the child reproduces them. It's fine if a 2nd language learner has the time and patience to accept speaking like a toddler after 3 years and a small child after 5, but without a much higher increase of input AND output a 2nd language learner will have a difficult time becoming fluent and literate. Yes, Dendy needs to listen and speak more...but she/he also needs to read and write more. Reading and writing allows for a more controlled focus rather than being at the mercy of a cacophony of discordant sounds.

[@christiandufourmentel3237]

Speaking is not even as difficult as one might thing, but to understand, for example for me, English, is no a small matter, you know. In my opinion Sir, comprehension is the most difficult step in your learning process. In English there is the tonic accent to consider, and contractions, as well. Thai language is like a music, a song. (I live in Thailand). In French, unlike English, we articulate without toning any syllable, but you the English speakers, your pet peeve, is the prononciation of "tu". But no matter I'll understand you. HoweverOn the other hand, when you listen to the locals speak, and especially if they speak quickly, trust me, it will be a different ball game. Ce sera "une autre paire de manche" monsieur. Merci. Thank you for reading. Regards. Christian.

[@KevJYT]

Awsome video, and super important distinction. Cheers.

[@_RITZ-Cracker-RAT_]

I think writing can be helpful for speaking skill, if you’re motivated enough to do it everyday.

[@rufuscrackle]

I'm learning French. But there is no one in my town to talk with. I can't go to the town 70 miles away for the weekly conversation group and I'm frustrated about learning to speak. I can read French ok and listening if it's not too fast is ok.

[@Alexander-dh3uk]

Who want to learning Portuguese!!???? Here I am ! I am from Brazil! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@MurilloBeltrame]

Em português: Sou brasileiro e nativo da língua portuguesa, se você quiser praticar seu português, estarei disponível e serei muito grato em ensinar =) In english: I'm a brazilian person and I'm a native speaker of portuguese, if you would like to practice your portuguese, I'll be avalible and will be very thankful to teach you =) I hope that I don't have make mistakes in my english because it's not my native language

[@hatersgotohell627]

+Steve Kaufmann - lingosteve Have you found yourself ever to have remembered certain sentence mining structures that you've learned when learning a language at the beginner, intermediate stages when speaking. Like for example there are certain sentences that can be spoken and memorized pretty quickly no matter the language. Like The cat is under the table. The cat is on the table... Those are big... Etc you can apply very easily "on", "under" "those" to your verbal short sentence memory extremely easy. One of the things I struggled with particularly with my only second language I'm learning is I thought for the longest time I should be speaking whatever is on my mind as a beginner rather than understanding there are some basic structure sentences I can sort of come to internalizing like those. Do you find that helpful when beginning to speak? Or do you just speak your ideas with the vocabulary you know no matter how choppy?

[@prof.elvisrussell9115]

Your portuguese is great. Seu português é ótimo. Big hug

[@leemabbe8561]

Mr. Steve. Someone said that sentence is the main element of language. And we should remember sentences and sentence pattern. Is that true? If i had a english lesson everyday on youtube and read english books, i can fluent in english in how many months? Any better suggestions, can we learn a language from watching films?

[@patfromamboy]

Learning Portuguese has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been studying Portuguese for over 8.5 years now and I’ve visited Brazil 18 times but I still haven’t had a conversation yet and I still can’t read. I have to translate everything into English to understand. I practice every day with my girlfriend and have for over 5.5 years now but I still can’t understand her. She only speaks Portuguese.

[@sajza1728]

Hi Steve, in this video you emphasized on speaking A LOT in order to be perfect in a target language. Please could you tell me how? What should I do on a daily basis to be super chit chatter and my mouth doesn't stop chatting?

[@robertknull456]

I agree that speaking is harder than reading. An example would be I can translate my target language ( Italian ) to English better than , translating English to Italian. This is only part of the reason, another would be proper pronunciation, which will take some time, ( some words are more complex than others). LingQ combines the 2, ( text with audio ) I selected LingQ to improve my audio comprehension and expand my vocabulary, my audio comprehension is poor, any suggestions on how to improve? I have just been using LingQ for about 2 weeks.

[@shamimmir361]

Language learning is about mind games and adopt the habit and constancy

[@natalyanancy7248]

hi .. steve you are great..i already read your first book...i am from kurdistan region..now i am learning english ..I know arabic very well..but my problem with english there is no one i can talk with him(because i am introvert person, all time busy with learn and reading boooks)..i can read article an essay sometime as well as book..i can understand what what they say.. but i cant speak or write well..i try to use lenq but i have no bank account or master card ..therefor it cant be usefull for me..

[@giannisniper96]

my english is actually fairly good, as i use it daily to study (textbooks, research papers, ...), and i could speak without much effort, but the problem is that i'm a bit shy with foreign languages, i'm always afraid to screw up and say something that's not as "natural" as i would like it to be

[@222222e]

The crazy thing about this is I've been learning Spanish and Brazilian concurrently. But I understood everything he said, and I wouldn't be able to respond. We don't have a high population of Brazilian people in my city which makes it extra hard for me to progress, but I'm not going to throw in the towel yet.

[@littleseamstress]

222222e Portuguese?

[@MariA-ev8uy]

222222e Portuguese, not Brazilian

[@danilojen2144]

Brazilian is the short fir brazilian portuguese.

[@vleytush]

Всё ещё смотрим Ваши видео, Стив!

[@autodidatasacademy]

Im from brazil, this is awesome tips to develop

[@yarathofficial404]

Can you learn a language just by using the Bible? I am a Christian and I love the Bible! I am learning Portuguese. Do you have tips on how to learn a language just by using religious text? Do I need to learn the basics before learning the Bible in Portuguese because the Bible has complicated words? Any thoughts? Thank you, Mr!

[@mohammadarif4588]

Hi Steve, how are you?? Just wanted to know that I want to learn Spanish which is spoken in Spain... Could you please help me where can I learn it from and which books do I need to read for the same accent.!!! Thanku in advance 😇

[@MinhNguyen-ov5bi]

To me speaking and listening are the most challenging because I have to contact with people

[@라이트스팟]

O seu Português é muito bom 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷💖💖💖

[@kycalc764]

Relevant content

[@natalieboudakian4557]

I am Armenian who lives in Syria ,being an Armenian I know Armenian and Turkish living in Syria I know Arabic , I am at college I study Computer Engineering so I study English.At summer 2012 a war begun in Syria, I always wanted to learn Italian cause I really loved it ,so to get away from the pressure I learned Italian " cause I had the chance" . Since the situation is getting worse here I will flee soon I don't know where exactly, I have Canada as a choice so I will probably study French soon. So I speak Armenian at home , Arabic outdoors, English while studying,Italian out of love. I sometimes when I am exhausted notice that I can't speak Arabic well , is this normal ? and should I stop learning Italian because I am not sure when I am going to use it ?! Thank you.

[@Suleymanakaalp4787]

Language is nothing but habits,you have to got habits to learn the language that's how processes works,working grammar is not gonna help that much as habits.

[@d.lawrence5670]

Yeah, with hardly anyone to talk to, I struggle with motivation to speak. I put so many years into just listening, 7 years, because I thought I just wanted to be able to watch the new. So now, after all these years of nothing but listening, I can understand clear-speaking Spanish speakers, but I can't say $$--ht in response to their questions. I feel so stupid when I try to talk to them. And humbled. But mostly frustrated and stupid.

[@Thelinguist]

inevitably, when we start speaking we struggle. However we do better if we have a good vocabulary and solid comprehension. Without that we do even worse when we start speaking. You just have to speak and not worry about how you do. You will gradually improve.

[@Sullcrusher333]

Hi Steve I love your videos they motivate me a lot , I have a question to ask , I have learnt Spanish and English very well I have listened a lot of podcast and i can understand everything in both the languages weather it's movies or native speakers , my question is do I still have to listen the podcast every day or I just have to focus on speaking speaking speaking , because sometimes I don't have time to listen the podcasts and for how many hours do I have to practice speaking and when I listen for how many hours do I have to listen the podcast , please clear my doubt I would be more than happy of your response .

[@Thelinguist]

You are at the stage in those languages or you can just do what you enjoy doing. You will improve in the language just by enjoying using the language weather listening reading speaking or writing.

[@Sullcrusher333]

@@Thelinguist Thank you for the response Steve sir , I have one question , so it's very strange I don't know why it happens to me and it's very annoying sometime so when i listen to a podcast or watch a movie in any language like for example , I am listening to an English podcast suddenly a thought occurs in my mind and says i should listen or give more attention or learn or listen podcast in Spanish and same happens when I listen to Spanish podcast or watch movies that I should give attention to English and then I start thinking that if I listen to Spanish podcast or practice speaking Spanish whole day I will forget English or if I listen to English podcast or practice speaking English whole day I will forget Spanish and sometimes it stressed me out and I end up losing motivation . Please clear my doubt Steve sir .

[@Khan_2025]

learning a lanuage without speaking it ,is this a effective or efficient way to learn a language?if you dont practice speaking,can you get the same reading and listening level by useing less time than who practicing speaking?

[@bloodstainedlake]

Dr.kaufman my name is katelynn and im 15 and in the middle of learning japanese and spanish i was just wondering on your scale how hard is japanese and manderan chinese to learn while learning other languages?

[@John-vx3dx]

COOL THANK YOU VERY MACH

[@gordonbgraham]

It's like math...understanding the lecture is one thing, actually retaining the methodology and applying what you've learned correctly is another. "Learning" here is kind of a broad term. Studying a language is easy. Learning it...not so much

[@yourahimyouyoustaps1233]

Hey Stive im Joseph one of your funs i have a question recently i met an English native speaker and I've got the opportunity to speak and practice my English with him but sometimes i feel that im rolling in a same circle and i feel myself boring what do you recommend in order to attract people and keep in touch with them

[@Thelinguist]

Keep listening, reading and speaking. It is a long road.

[@Payoff_Lab]

Da pra entender perfeitamente o que você falou em português.

[@pseudojo8164]

It is difficult if you don't enjoy the learning process. Like everything else. If you re suffering during the process for any reason it's a mess.

[@bulletproofcupid1242]

How do people immigrate to Canada without knowing English or French? O_o

[@vilanosoriano1538]

Steve, I've been learning French at my high school for three years now, and I want to find someone to talk to in French to practice my French. It would be best if there first language was french but they also knew English. Is there somewhere I can find someone like this preferably around my age?

[@billshepherd3555]

LingQ.com

[@Kitiwake]

I found speaking a second language easy. (Big mouth and thick neck) I make tons of stutters and millions of grammatical mistakes. How? I just found someone who is willing to tolerate me.

[@eugeneboichuk]

👍

[@annzhang7597]

Hi Steve, I came from China to Canada when I was 17 years old and I came here for undergrad studies. My English was not good ( speaking wise) until recently because I just realized that my accent changed a lot since earlier this year. Now my problems are writing and speaking because I do not have enough vocabulary or common expressions to express myself like a native english speaker. Now i am 22 years old. Do you think it is possible to achieve a native-like level if i try very hard? You said you speak Chinese ( Mandarin?) can you speak several words in Chinese in a video? And at what age did you start learning Chinese? I just wanna check if it is possible to achieve a high level of fluency if learning a second language as an adult. Chinese students started learning english at a very young age ( in the past we started learning english in grade 7 but since 2000, students started in grade 1) However most students still cannot speak, read well. Now i am looking for a job and i found that the reality is depressing. If companies can hire a native speaker, what is the point of hiring an ESL learner? If I was an employer, I would not do so either... But I do need a job...

[@BoomBoomHeart]

Of course it is, if you put your mind to it you can defently achieve it. Try looking at some language learning sites, I know there is a few free ones out there. You can easily build up your english. Good luck :)

[@BoomBoomHeart]

I am a native English speaker and even my english isnt perfect, it dont have to be perfect. :)

[@annzhang7597]

Boomboomheart... Haha thank you very much for the encouragement! I see your English isnt perfect... 'It DOES NOT have to be perfect!" Hahaha

[@BoomBoomHeart]

Haha we use alot of shorten version of words xD

[@Thelinguist]

Work on vocabulary and listening. Try LingQ. As to my Chinese, you can check out my Mandarin videos here at my channel, just search for certain key words such as, 语言. For example 多听多阅读，语言学习的最有效， 最方便， 的办法。.

[@jjay75]

I really feel your high input lower output method makes speaking considerably harder than it needs to be.

[@Thelinguist]

No. When I start to speak, I quickly achieve a high degree of fluency because I have a large vocabulary and I understand what is being said. It is easier and more effective, in my experience, to focus on input first. But it depends on where you are, what opportunities you have to speak, and what your preferences are. many of those who start speaking early, never advance to an adult level of fluency. That requires vocabulary and comprehension. Note that I speak over a dozen languages.

[@jjay75]

Steve Kaufmann - lingosteve Perhaps. Obviously one must focus on input at the very beginning, but I find personally, if I don't use that language from the start, even to attempt to form sentences by myself, I will lose it quickly - and later on I won't have the fluidity of speech compared to if I had been trying to speak it from early on. I think it depends on the learner, some prefer more academic approaches, some prefer more social, direct approaches. I think there are merits to both depending on the goals of the learner, but for me personally, the ideal for maximum efficiency would be 2-3 hours of reading and listening, followed by 2-3 hours of speaking the language, on the same day.

[@eddykohlmann471]

Attitudes, exactly. I think identifying too much with a particular 'nationality' can be a huge barrier. Nation states are actually artificial constructs. 🤣 Apologies in advance if this causes offence.

[@johndoe2006]

Portuguese a hard language? If peope were aware of how crazily complicated language can get, they wouldn't say that

[@aciddox6021]

there are a few russian speaking people in my area but usualy when I try speaking russian it is kinda awkward

[@edresmn7869]

I am learning German, I Do Not Want To Speak, Only read and listen, do you think in how many months I can get a really good level of that Mr.Steve? Danke

[@Thelinguist]

Edres Mn 6 months if you study at LingQ.

[@edresmn7869]

This can happen by 2 hours a day, one hour reading and one hour listening? Thanks Mr.Steve

[@BosniannMuslim]

What about reading out loud? Will iit help with speaking?

[@шашалакоәмпанадахихихи]

Ofc yes

[@chose540]

Steve How many languages do you actually know

[@dewrimsirine]

over 10

[@santislpslp1595]

Hi Steven! What is your main lenguague ? English or French?

[@gabgabo]

He is a native English speaker

[@santislpslp1595]

Thank you :)

[@Tazz3aboody]

do you have books, sir ?

[@sandydegener6436]

If a person finds it hard to speak the target language, it means that the person does not have the adequate base in language in general.

[@Foolseverywhere]

Totally wrong....

[@aprendendoaaprender8139]

Where did you come from? :)

[@roseromano]

I'm sorry but I have to say I was disappointed by this video. I was born and raised in the United States and all my grandparents came from Italy. Many Italian-Americans are not allowed to grow up bilingual. Every time I tried to say something in Italian, I was told that I have to speak English. Some times I was ridiculed and some times I was ignored. I've seen videos by young Italians teaching Italian who say that, to get over your fear of speaking Italian all you have to do is speak Italian! But it doesn't work that way especially when many Italians ridicule or ignore you. I was hoping to find something more helpful here but you just say the same thing in a different way.

[@tedmed225]

Hahahaha Justin Trudeau know only how to pronounce the word Bonjour.

[@yarglaaaha]

Virginia Giuffre ?

[@abdulazeezbala5504]

KAUFMANN for Canadian PRESIDENT :-D

[@BungsViet]

abdulazeez bala Prime Minister haha he actually might be a better option than some of our candidates

[@abdulazeezbala5504]

BungsViet oops, yeah that's Elizabeth 2's job..

[@leob4403]

+BungsViet Politicians are scum. No need to put Steve Kaufman in that shark tank, let him keep his innocence.

1:24 "realmente português é uma língua bem difícil". Translation: "portuguese is indeed a very difficult language [to learn]". As a Brazilian, I agree with Steve and totally disagree on this. Many people here say that about our language and it's just not true in most cases. It depends on the languages (native and second ones) that the learner already knows. So an English speaker would learn it more easily than a Japanese one, for example. But a Japanese would have the same difficulties learning any romance language as well, like Spanish or Italian. I'm stressing this because people mean by that argument that portuguese is the most difficult language of those. And it's true that those language have their own challenges, but overall, the level of difficulty to learn any of them is the same.

[@GrizikYugno-ku2zs]

It's embarrassing how long I thought the email was in Spanish and that you were using some gnarly accent lol