I agree with the comment, but my point was about understanding and memorizing words, not becoming fluent in a language.
Listening, speaking, and memorizing words and grammar rules are all necessary to become passable or fluent in a foreign language. I always jot down words and strive to memorize the phrases or idioms of native speakers. Then, there are ups and downs, one day I sound like Obama, another day I sound like someone who started learning the language two weeks ago. It's all part of the business.
