[Wasabista]

Remember, the written word is an imitation of the spoken word and not the other way around. So as a rule you should learn a language the Berlitz way, which is:

First, learn to speak it.

Next, learn to read it.

Next, learn to write it.

I didn't start learning kanji for two years after I started learning Japanese. I used the "kunren-shiki" style of romanization, i.e. hashi is "hasi" tsuchi is "tuti" and so on. Once I was able to hold a simple conversation, I got serious about learning the writing system.

Even then, I recommend you stick with the kana for a while first.