It depends of the level you reached in the language. If you a total beginner you'll definitely need regular lessons with good teacher at first. But if you are quite experienced then everything can be helpful. For example my level of the English is about B2 and I really enjoy to watching tv, moovies or even Youtube channels in English. I'm reading daily many things in English. I'm active on this website which is also nice for me. And now last but not least - listening to the radio from the English speaking countries. I found it really helpful.

Hi Scott, A large number of studies have shown that following a method similar to how we each learned our mother tongues is the best approach. For years we listened to the language before we tried our first attempts at speaking. If you've ever raised a child, those first attempts are naturally full or error and we learn over time to perfect this. Next comes reading. My age group here in the States used "The Red Book" which featured Dick and Jane. Very, very simple, but it was a start. Last comes writing.

In italiano questi soggetti sarebbero, ascoltare, parlare, leggere e scrivere.

I would structure your learning of X whereby you do at least listening and speaking, at least once a day, if even for only 15 minutes. Even if you have to practice speaking to yourself. This is key.

Reading and writing are also critical, but for communication purposes only, you can start with the first two.

After all, most societies have people that are illiterate/analfabeta, but they are able to communicate at some level. Certainly not the level people here aspire to, but it demonstrates the point that you can communicate even without being able to read and write.

Good luck,

Tom

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