In general, learning to write in a foreign language is much more difficult than learning to speak it. If you’re looking to develop in both areas, it’s usually a good idea to learn speaking first before starting on writing lessons.
Why? Largely, because that’s how language facility is naturally formed. Think back to when you were a child. Did you learn to speak first or did you learn to write first?
Additionally, think about what goes through your mind every time you write in your native language. Don’t you “speak” the language mentally as you commit it to a page? How will that be possible if you can’t speak verbally?
Written language is also more complex than spoken language. Even in your native language (English, we assume), written material is typically more lexically dense than spoken ones. Plus, spoken language gives you the benefit of gestures and body language — communicative elements you don’t get to enjoy when putting text to a page.
If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to learn reading and writing in a target language, consider your currently ability to hear and speak it. Perhaps you need some more fluency as foundation before moving on to those more advanced language skills.
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