You could try some videos as bookwormAT suggested, alternatively (or in parallel) you can just play as one of the easy nations (Ottomans, Spain, Portugal, France, etc) and blunder about. The Ottomans are nicknamed Easymans by the fans.
That's how people learn Dwarfortress, which is even less penetrable. Remember, losing is fun.
I have nothing against losing, but the UI has dozens, if not hundreds of buttons at any time, most very inconspicuous (oh, that's a button?!), and no way to guess what they are for. It's... frustrating.
That's how people learn Dwarfortress, which is even less penetrable. Remember, losing is fun.