logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
7m 24s

Do I really know 20 languages?

Steve Kaufmann
About this episode
In today's video, I discuss how many languages I really know and what it truly means to know a language. 
Up next
Nov 20
5 tips to improve your French pronunciation
In this video, I walk you through my best tips for improving your French pronunciation. 
15m 3s
Nov 13
The thing that helped me learn 20 languages (it’s not discipline)
In this video, I talk about why curiosity is the biggest driver in my own language learning — and what the research says about it. 
7m 16s
Nov 6
Le français au Québec, mythes et realité
Join me for a conversation with Geneviève Breton, a passionate French teacher from Quebec, recorded during my trip to the province in October. We talked about language, culture, and what makes learning French in Quebec so unique. 
15m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2011
Speak Lesson 11 | How to Speak About the Languages You Know
<p>When talking to someone in something other than your native language, it sometimes helps to know what other languages they speak. This not only helps you to learn more about a person, but can also potentially give you insight into other things you have in common with them. In ... Show More
12m 48s
Aug 8
#350 False Friends That Confuse Romance Language Speakers
<p>Hi! I want to talk about something that can really help you <strong>understand English vocabulary better</strong> — especially if you speak a Romance language like <strong>Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian</strong>, or <strong>Romanian</strong>.</p> <p>These languages all c ... Show More
13m 36s
Jan 2021
42. Which Country has the Most Languages? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
There are thousands of languages in the world. Some are spoken by billions of people, others by less than one hundred! Which country has the most languages? In this episode I’ll answer that question, look at some of the languages spoken in that country, and try to explain why the ... Show More
20m 57s
Jul 2020
Phrases and Idioms about Money that You Need to Know
<p>(Watch the YouTube version to see these phrases written on screen) Money! It's an important topic, and we have many phrases and idioms that we use in English to talk about it so in this video I wanted to teach you some important ones.</p> 
15m 54s
Aug 27
#339 How NOT To Learn a Language
<p>Inspired by a viral video of a Chinese boy doing his English homework, I thought I&apos;d make an episode where I list 10 common mistakes that language learners make and what you should avoid.</p><p>To be clear, I&apos;m sure that boy will master English one day, and my commen ... Show More
42m 6s
Nov 2015
What You Are is What You Say (Language and Identity)
Welcome to Episode 28, a fun collection of language learning news. Lindsay and I shared our progress in Japanese and Welsh, read out wonderful listener feedback, and finally moved on to 3 big news items. What's it like when your language changes to express who you are? The episod ... Show More
1h 15m
Jul 2018
Beginners 28: Conversation strategies
Learn all about those little phrases and words which Spanish speakers use to keep conversations going, show their understanding, interrupt people, and more! 
17m 55s
Apr 2025
816 - Conversational Idioms With Give
Man, I’d give anything to have a day off. Have you ever felt this way? I know learning another language is not easy, and requires daily practice. I’m pretty sure that since you listen to this podcast, you must give it your best shot when it comes to learning English.  I give you ... Show More
9m 12s
Oct 17
[B1] Why Do You Want to Learn a New Language?
Why do so many people around the world want to learn a new language? 🌍 Is it for travel, work, or just for fun? In this episode of the 5-Minute English Podcast, you’ll practice listening to a natural English conversation and improve your speaking step by step.👉 Don’t forget to ... Show More
4m 21s
Aug 13
858 - How to Say You Don’t Know in English
Somebody asked me the other day how many phrasal verbs there are in English. That’s a tough question. So I said, beats me. And then she said, but you’re an English teacher. I dunno. I have no clue. How many phrasal verbs are there? Who knows!Native English speakers have a lot of ... Show More
9m 1s