Moses....what can I say? This guy is a real human being. He's not trying to be anyone but himself. He's not into the games that most people are into. He presents himself as he is. If you don't like him, he doesn't try to get you to like him, he just lets you go your way while he goes his. He promotes the cause of learning languages so well because of his character.
Interesting. Language is quite easy. As it should be, no? A civilization without communication would be ridiculous. As such, language needs to be easy. Academic institutions do not make it enjoyable. It's horrible. I'm self-taught in French, German, Russian, and Japanese. I agree that our Native/Welfare communities are unhappy. There are many variables in play, though. Open-mindedness isn't necessarily the main reason for their status. I find most Canadians resent them. it's complicated. :)
I second what you just said. I started getting into languages after watching Laoshu's videos. Before these videos i thought learning a language will always be boring and difficult because of the way they tried teaching me french in school back in the day. And I have to say I am starting to love the polyglot community. My favourites are Laoshu, Loki2054 and you of course. Thanks for lingq by the way. Its making my spanish learning a blast.
I'm from the UK and I really wish that people here took language learning seriously. It really bugs me that people can't bothered to, as you say, open their minds. I hope more British people will watch your video and want to make a difference...
I don't know where you get your ideas from about the people of the UK, but you couldn't be more wrong.
Not only are the people here incredibly relaxed about language-speaking, but we're one of the most open cultures in the world.
If you want a closed-minded European country, try France. In Paris, if you speak English in the street people's jaws literally drop. Not so in the UK, where even the towns far from London and the European mainland are multilingual. Your information is stereotypical.
I was born in Dordogne(Périgord) , my grand-father spoke French and his limousin dialect ("patois") our neighbour were an englishman.
Then I moved to Brussels/Bruxelles (français+wallon+vlams/flemish) and now I am leaving in Pau Bearn (français +gascon dialect neighboring basque, spanish and aragonese languages), the world o flanguages is a fantastic world to live.
Thank you for this video about this open minded person.
TRUE TRUE TRUE! I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! HE IS SO OPEN AND LEARN SO FAST!!!! it's usually hard for english accent people to learn many language....it's really interesting.
If you're looking forward to go to a portuguese barber-shop than I can guarantee you that will take a first class course on portuguese hardcore slang. :) Especially if they start talking about soccer or politics. :)
"...people screw themselves up and make it harder for themselves. When people allow it to be a pure intellectual indulgence then it works. .."
Respectfully, I think that you've got it backwards
when people(foreign language acquisition/learners)allow it to be a natural process, that is to say ; imitative--in the manner in which they acquired their native tongue..then 'it works '
a true command of a language(few possess) requires an intellectual approach which is
Very good points. I supposed I'm also guilty of language exhibitionism here and there. I even have a clip up of me dooing it in Polish on Polish TV. There's a lot of truth in what you say. It's not a big deal to learn languages, people screw themselves up and make it harder for themselves. When people allow it to be a pure intellectual indulgence then it works. That's why Esperanto is still alive on the internet, even when it has no "practical" application.
Luca, the dude from Italy states that he has NOT traveled outside of his native land other than a 5 month sojourn in Spain during which time he did not have the opportunity to use much of his Spanish due to local circumstances. Mr. Kaufman leaves one with the impression that polyglotLuca has benefited from an advantage of having spent time abroad
We all get 'the point'; managing to escape one's insular up-bringing/environment may be viewed as an admirable achievement
especially in light of the circumstances surrounding the typical "barrio" or "ghetto" dweller. I don't know Luca aka"polyglot80" ..didn't pretend as if I were privy to details regarding his past travels/experiences- outside his home turf- nor his current itinerary .
I ,simply, was pointing out, based upon what I recall from listening to what he had stated in some of his early videos, that it seems that he falls into the category of those who have made this pursuit if not a solitary one, at least, one whereby he has chosen a non-traditional path to his goal
I was initially part of the group quick to criticize his faults in the various languages he speaks, but after following his videos for over a year and finally seeing this video I realize just how amazing and inspiration of a character Moses is.
I came to Canada to learn English and because I thought people are open minded. at the end my situation was not the best at all, When I found myself in situation where I should teach my self, I started learning languages not only English, and for some reason that made me enjoy what I do and helped me to reduce stress. Thanks for the video
Thanks for all the kind wishes. We are in Vigo, Spain, now after a week in Portugal. Just having a great time. The Portuguese are very friendly, the Spanish are great too, perhaps not as friendly, but apparently more industrious. And the prices here are higher.
Great video! I don't know about open-mindedness, but I know having an active mind is oh too important. All the language exhibitionists on YouTube are inspiring, but I like Mr. Kaufman the best. Your videos are always interesting and insightful! Happy 40th anniversary and have a great trip!
I love the "language exhibitionists" on YouTube! It is very inspirational in my own quest to become a polyglot or (perhaps, if I study hard enough) a hyperpolyglot.
Don't Feel bad because you don't get a lot of views. You get intelligent and open minded people watching your videos, people that you make a real impact on, and people that WANT to hear what you have to say.
40?! Steve, I want to be like you when I grow up! In this day and age, you'd be glad if you can spend one year. Congratulations! I still want to go to spain and portugal though lol!
Why all the hate for linguists and the study of linguistics? I got a degree in it because I found it to be an incredibly fascinating subject, and now I can apply a lot of what I learned to my study of six foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese).
Sure, you don't have to study linguistics at all to learn a foreign language, or understand any of the technical words linguists use, but they don't exactly hurt either.
I don't think this video talks down on linguistics or linguists. I actually believe linguistics is interesting. It's just not something I would study as much as I would learning a language without science. I respect all linguists and I believe Steve does as well.
They don't hate the study of linguistics. They are talking about the problem in language teaching where certified teachers and schools often teach people rules rather than how to use/communicate in a language which after a while bores most ppl and makes them lose their motivation. :)
Don't know if you saw the video both Steve and Moses did on the subject. If you haven't go check them out and you'll see what it's all about :)
Congrats on the 40th anniversary. Your comment about Canadians not learning French and British people not learning foreign languages makes me think of many foreigners living in China. Most of them live in expatriates districts, hang out with other English speaking foreigners, work for American companies, always eat Western food, send their kids to international schools and can't say anything other than NiHao after living in China for years. I really wish westerners in China were more open minded
Even though there are nowadays quite a lot of white people born and raised in China, many can only communicate in English due to the issues I mentioned in my other post. Even though the opportunities were all around them, they lacked the open mindedness needed to succeed. I really hope things get better in the future but at this rate it really seems they aren't.
are you Swedish?
GriffenJC 1 month ago
"Not the one in the Bible" lol
Grey13Human 2 months ago
40th Anniversary Wow, Congrats
BobtheMoneythedbr 4 months ago
Moses....what can I say? This guy is a real human being. He's not trying to be anyone but himself. He's not into the games that most people are into. He presents himself as he is. If you don't like him, he doesn't try to get you to like him, he just lets you go your way while he goes his. He promotes the cause of learning languages so well because of his character.
Iceland1944 5 months ago
Interesting. Language is quite easy. As it should be, no? A civilization without communication would be ridiculous. As such, language needs to be easy. Academic institutions do not make it enjoyable. It's horrible. I'm self-taught in French, German, Russian, and Japanese. I agree that our Native/Welfare communities are unhappy. There are many variables in play, though. Open-mindedness isn't necessarily the main reason for their status. I find most Canadians resent them. it's complicated. :)
mttine 8 months ago
Hi, I read enjoyed your video! By the way I made a video for Portuguese pronunciation, check it out and let me know what you think.
JNatAlkhimia 10 months ago
@JNatAlkhimia ** I meant to say "I really enjoyed.." I'm sorry for the misspell.
JNatAlkhimia 10 months ago
I wish I was like you guys. (Someone who can learn a language easily???)
CrazyLassi 1 year ago
Moses is a great guy. He does what he loves.
ubny1 1 year ago
Hola Steve, gracias para la informacion sobre Moses McCormack.
Ojala que todo este bien en Galicia. Sea cuidado con los Gallegos, son muy listos.
Hasta luego,
Rick Jones
Praga
rickjones53 1 year ago
I second what you just said. I started getting into languages after watching Laoshu's videos. Before these videos i thought learning a language will always be boring and difficult because of the way they tried teaching me french in school back in the day. And I have to say I am starting to love the polyglot community. My favourites are Laoshu, Loki2054 and you of course. Thanks for lingq by the way. Its making my spanish learning a blast.
RamoSFTT 1 year ago
I'm from the UK and I really wish that people here took language learning seriously. It really bugs me that people can't bothered to, as you say, open their minds. I hope more British people will watch your video and want to make a difference...
TenTonnesOfDynamite 1 year ago
You and Moses are legendary motivational symbols to us starting to learn languages other than our first languages. Thank you. :)
HabeKeinMitleid 1 year ago
Please add me Steve and check out all my videos. I love your videos, and please check out my videos, and you should make a video about me. Thanks.
Chezrocksall 1 year ago
I don't know where you get your ideas from about the people of the UK, but you couldn't be more wrong.
Not only are the people here incredibly relaxed about language-speaking, but we're one of the most open cultures in the world.
If you want a closed-minded European country, try France. In Paris, if you speak English in the street people's jaws literally drop. Not so in the UK, where even the towns far from London and the European mainland are multilingual. Your information is stereotypical.
emanitudism 1 year ago
I agree with you... it's absurd how people jump on him about his accent not being "perfect".. I'm just thinking... gimme a break!!
great video!
TheyDontSee 1 year ago
We should learn from Moses, both the one on Youtube and the one in the Bible.
robertogan 1 year ago
A fantastic video Master!!!! :D You hit it on the nail!!!!! Thank you very much for this video!!!!
SebastienLoong 1 year ago
I was born in Dordogne(Périgord) , my grand-father spoke French and his limousin dialect ("patois") our neighbour were an englishman.
Then I moved to Brussels/Bruxelles (français+wallon+vlams/flemish) and now I am leaving in Pau Bearn (français +gascon dialect neighboring basque, spanish and aragonese languages), the world o flanguages is a fantastic world to live.
Thank you for this video about this open minded person.
teddythefrency 1 year ago
Je pense que l'étude d'une langue étrangère ouvre lesprit, aussi.
Steve - I like your videos -- they are entertaining, as well as being very clear and focused.
LearningFrenchNow 1 year ago
@LearningFrenchNow C'est vraiment vrai!!!!!
SebastienLoong 1 year ago
I don't understand why there are 35 thumbs down... huh...
AkaoKiyotsu 1 year ago
@AkaoKiyotsu It's called hate my friend.
laoshu505000 1 year ago
I wish can speak as many langauges as Moses! He is the man!!!!!!
BlackNMedBlaze 1 year ago
Moses is da man!!!!!!!
BlackNMedBlaze 1 year ago
Great video. Thanks for uploading it and sharing your opinion with us.
Maikovich 1 year ago
Moses is cool.
B4KAL3E 2 years ago 4
Comment removed
voodoochills 2 years ago
Comment removed
voodoochills 2 years ago
I agree! great Job!
diverboy 2 years ago
Great video!
anne241163 2 years ago 4
im one too ^_^
CorissaChantelle 2 years ago
TRUE TRUE TRUE! I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! HE IS SO OPEN AND LEARN SO FAST!!!! it's usually hard for english accent people to learn many language....it's really interesting.
rainbowcolorducky 2 years ago 5
is pretensious a word?
Valdiviation 2 years ago
should be pretentious. Where do you see it?
lingosteve 2 years ago 2
8:11 learn from Moses, not the one in bible haaaaaaaahaaa lol that's funny man
goommm 2 years ago 5
My Man Moses...Keep EXPANDING.....
rpduece 2 years ago 2
If you're looking forward to go to a portuguese barber-shop than I can guarantee you that will take a first class course on portuguese hardcore slang. :) Especially if they start talking about soccer or politics. :)
Rafael1977language 2 years ago
"usenetposts" , below, states:
"...people screw themselves up and make it harder for themselves. When people allow it to be a pure intellectual indulgence then it works. .."
Respectfully, I think that you've got it backwards
when people(foreign language acquisition/learners)allow it to be a natural process, that is to say ; imitative--in the manner in which they acquired their native tongue..then 'it works '
a true command of a language(few possess) requires an intellectual approach which is
fidedigno5 2 years ago
Very good points. I supposed I'm also guilty of language exhibitionism here and there. I even have a clip up of me dooing it in Polish on Polish TV. There's a lot of truth in what you say. It's not a big deal to learn languages, people screw themselves up and make it harder for themselves. When people allow it to be a pure intellectual indulgence then it works. That's why Esperanto is still alive on the internet, even when it has no "practical" application.
usenetposts 2 years ago
Moses's wife is taiwanese.
NV417 2 years ago
hahaha.. why did you say that?
laoshu505000 2 years ago
idk lol sry that was random
NV417 2 years ago
Great video a well and i know that Steve speaks french :-)
daless2000be 2 years ago
Luca, the dude from Italy states that he has NOT traveled outside of his native land other than a 5 month sojourn in Spain during which time he did not have the opportunity to use much of his Spanish due to local circumstances. Mr. Kaufman leaves one with the impression that polyglotLuca has benefited from an advantage of having spent time abroad
kiiifute1 2 years ago 9
Yes, Luca hasn't traveled much out of his country either, but this isn't (the point )Steve is making in this video.
laoshu505000 2 years ago 3
I thought he spent some time in Germany?
qzchris 2 years ago
We all get 'the point'; managing to escape one's insular up-bringing/environment may be viewed as an admirable achievement
especially in light of the circumstances surrounding the typical "barrio" or "ghetto" dweller. I don't know Luca aka"polyglot80" ..didn't pretend as if I were privy to details regarding his past travels/experiences- outside his home turf- nor his current itinerary .
kiiifute1 2 years ago
I ,simply, was pointing out, based upon what I recall from listening to what he had stated in some of his early videos, that it seems that he falls into the category of those who have made this pursuit if not a solitary one, at least, one whereby he has chosen a non-traditional path to his goal
kiiifute1 2 years ago
He has actually spent time in Germany, Spain, France and Sweden. Not sure whether he's been to an English speaking country.
Kouziren 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
wrong, you can be perfect at pronunciation in ANY language.
NV417 2 years ago
i think you completely missed the point of the video...
gotmoney823 2 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
you completely missed the point of my comment
NV417 2 years ago
I was initially part of the group quick to criticize his faults in the various languages he speaks, but after following his videos for over a year and finally seeing this video I realize just how amazing and inspiration of a character Moses is.
neoguy9090 2 years ago 6
I agree about the open mindedness
I came to Canada to learn English and because I thought people are open minded. at the end my situation was not the best at all, When I found myself in situation where I should teach my self, I started learning languages not only English, and for some reason that made me enjoy what I do and helped me to reduce stress. Thanks for the video
rraassll 2 years ago
There is also Filex , he speak 9 languages , and he is 19 ys old: loki2504
rraassll 2 years ago
Thanks for all the kind wishes. We are in Vigo, Spain, now after a week in Portugal. Just having a great time. The Portuguese are very friendly, the Spanish are great too, perhaps not as friendly, but apparently more industrious. And the prices here are higher.
lingosteve 2 years ago 2
@lingosteve A truly beautiful video!!! Thank you soo much!!!! I really needed to hear it!!!! It's just pouring with wisdom!!!!
SebastienLoong 1 year ago
Great video! I don't know about open-mindedness, but I know having an active mind is oh too important. All the language exhibitionists on YouTube are inspiring, but I like Mr. Kaufman the best. Your videos are always interesting and insightful! Happy 40th anniversary and have a great trip!
CommodoreV 2 years ago
I love the "language exhibitionists" on YouTube! It is very inspirational in my own quest to become a polyglot or (perhaps, if I study hard enough) a hyperpolyglot.
arclight2012 2 years ago 4
I really like this little polyglot community on youtube. It's nice to see a sharing of ideas and experiences that's accessible to everyone.
Iolanthe333 2 years ago 5
Don't Feel bad because you don't get a lot of views. You get intelligent and open minded people watching your videos, people that you make a real impact on, and people that WANT to hear what you have to say.
bigballa269 2 years ago 15
Exactly
Oh, and good point, Moses is an inspiriation.
LightsOutChannel 2 years ago 2
Congrats on the 40th! I thought you'd be wanting to go to Russia instead though!
qzchris 2 years ago
40?! Steve, I want to be like you when I grow up! In this day and age, you'd be glad if you can spend one year. Congratulations! I still want to go to spain and portugal though lol!
zocurtis 2 years ago 2
tru dat
kkNEURO 2 years ago
Steve, Here's another observation about Moses: if you email him with a question, he takes the time to respond. He's truly one of a kind.
syzygycc 2 years ago 35
@syzygycc What do you mean by that?
PyatChetyreNolNol 1 month ago
Congrats!
langhopeful 2 years ago
40th? Congratulations!
tagatautube 2 years ago
Why all the hate for linguists and the study of linguistics? I got a degree in it because I found it to be an incredibly fascinating subject, and now I can apply a lot of what I learned to my study of six foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese).
Sure, you don't have to study linguistics at all to learn a foreign language, or understand any of the technical words linguists use, but they don't exactly hurt either.
AtomikNY 2 years ago 5
I don't think this video talks down on linguistics or linguists. I actually believe linguistics is interesting. It's just not something I would study as much as I would learning a language without science. I respect all linguists and I believe Steve does as well.
Nezumi1052 2 years ago
They don't hate the study of linguistics. They are talking about the problem in language teaching where certified teachers and schools often teach people rules rather than how to use/communicate in a language which after a while bores most ppl and makes them lose their motivation. :)
Don't know if you saw the video both Steve and Moses did on the subject. If you haven't go check them out and you'll see what it's all about :)
amoondria 2 years ago 7
4:44
19fas88 2 years ago
Congrats on the 40th anniversary. Your comment about Canadians not learning French and British people not learning foreign languages makes me think of many foreigners living in China. Most of them live in expatriates districts, hang out with other English speaking foreigners, work for American companies, always eat Western food, send their kids to international schools and can't say anything other than NiHao after living in China for years. I really wish westerners in China were more open minded
zhongguohua88 2 years ago 6
Even though there are nowadays quite a lot of white people born and raised in China, many can only communicate in English due to the issues I mentioned in my other post. Even though the opportunities were all around them, they lacked the open mindedness needed to succeed. I really hope things get better in the future but at this rate it really seems they aren't.
zhongguohua88 2 years ago
How can I move to China, I promise you I will eat that language up buddy!
zocurtis 2 years ago
Just teach English, I know people who make over US$20 an hour teaching and they aren't even native speakers.
zhongguohua88 2 years ago
Send me a message and tell me more please!
zocurtis 2 years ago
@zhongguohua88
In other words, they behave exactly like any other minority immigrant/transient group in a foreign culture then.
Stop criticising so-called 'Westerners' (a stupid category if ever there was one) for doing what every other fake category of humans does.
emanitudism 1 year ago
wow, 40th.
congrats 白头到老啊。
hyhu84 2 years ago 3
40!!!!!! Congrats
1andonlyeva 2 years ago 6
Wow, 40th anniversary. Congratulations.
laoshu505000 2 years ago 41
@laoshu505000
I hope you can see my new video. You are featured.
NaomiChambers 1 year ago