Learning Spanish can depend on multiple factors. Do you want to read, speak, write, or do all three? What kind of learner are you?

There are different methods of learning a new subject. Some people find it easier to learn by reading the textbook, some need to learn through hearing, and others learn by doing-or in this case speaking, reading, etc. for the language.

A course that combines the three methods to a degree which they are useful to you is best. To learn to speak the language--use the tapes and practice saying the words along with the spoken Spanish. If reading is a skill you need, practice reading the Spanish and the meanings. If you need to write it, definitely use a study manual and written assignments. If you need to do all three, then use all three methods--but be forewarned, you may not understand Spanish all around well but only function well in a certain aspect of the language, with limited proficiency in the other portions of learning Spanish.

For example, I can read Spanish very well. My writing skills are more limited. To havce a coversation is hard, but mostly because I can't understand the more rapid speakers and a little to do with my own speed inability to be able to jump right into the language--connecting Spanish from my head to my mouth is a big struggle for me.

So, I strongly urge you to work on all of your skills. Don't mind that you don't do completely well with everything, it's amazing that any skills can be reatained for some people.

Thank you for reading!