Spanish, a Romance language with approximately 329 million speakers, according to the language report Ethnologue, is spoken in the European countries of Spain and Andorra, as well as in Latin American countries such as Chile, Mexico and Peru. There is a growing Spanish-speaking population in the United States, too, which makes Spanish an increasingly useful language to speak. Learning Spanish may not be as difficult as you think--there are many resources available to help you learn the language.

Master the Spanish alphabet. The letters of the Spanish alphabet are almost identical to those used in English, but you will need to learn one new letter, "ñ," which is pronounced as the "ny" sound in the English word "canyon." Listen to the pronunciation of the Spanish letters online, and practice saying them aloud to yourself, comparing your pronunciation to that of the audio. Pay particular attention to the letter "c" which is pronounced "s" in Latin America but "th" in European Spanish.

Study Spanish grammar. Good-quality Spanish grammar books are available in all major bookstores, and secondhand copies are also available online. Learn the grammar slowly, ideally in sessions of no more than 30 minutes each day, to avoid overloading your memory. If you struggle to learn alone, sign up for Spanish classes in which you can learn with other adults.

Learn Spanish vocabulary. If you are learning Spanish for a particular reason, such as to help you in your career, choose words that you will use frequently in real-life situations. Dedicate a regular time each day to study Spanish vocabulary. Start each session by reviewing the words you learned the day before to reinforce them in your long-term memory.

Listen to Spanish media. Increasing your exposure to spoken Spanish will improve your pronunciation, accent and listening-comprehension skills. Review your DVD collection for films that can be set to play with Spanish audio and English subtitles. Access Spanish radio stations, television programs and podcasts online to ensure you have varied material to practice with.

Practice speaking Spanish. Search for native speakers in your area, and arrange to meet up for coffee to practice your language skills. Ask your companions to note any mistakes you make during the conversation and to review them with you at the end of the session. The feedback will help you identify areas you need to practice further.

Practice your Spanish comprehension by reading simple books. Even for adults, children's books can be a good place to start because they typically contain simple phrases and vocabulary that is easy to understand.