Progress in a language

The young learn their language through listening. I don't think there's any argument about that. For me as an adult, though, I feel that reading is the way - at least to begin with.

I want input first, and I want it in the written form. I want to be able to look it over at my own pace, going over it as often as I like, and on my own. Maybe it's different for other people, but I doubt it.

I want, first off to understand the written word, and second the spoken word. In that order. (As an aside, I ought to say that I don't consider the study of grammar to be necessary. It's optional. I may take a quick look now and again after I've learned the language, but just as grammar wasn't necessary to learn my first language, I don't feel that it is crucial for any other.)

Speaking arises out of the abilities to read and listen with understanding. Too many people believe that by mastering a few phrases they this makes them fluent. It doesn't. They may be able to speak those phrases without a discernible accent, but that wouldn't help them respond to utterances that lie outside of their ken.

Finally writing. Good writing takes years to develop. Most users of a language never get there. Being able to write well doesn't require additional vocabulary or extra grammar. It is rather a matter of style (as in Strunk). It requires practice, and the refining of one's ability to organize and express one's thinking. Writing makes you smarter, says Krashen, and I go along with that.