I'd pick self study using a variety of materials if it was a choice. At the beginning, learn about the language using sources such as Wikipedia (although Wikipedia has its share of BS, it's getting better). This is IMO one of the most important steps. This protects you from BS, which will ambush you from all directions, especially when studying a Chinese language.
Next, depending on your goals, obtain a variety of learning materials. Most people would probably go for a university-level textbook. While reading (and working through) the textbook, one might obtain other materials such as audio lessons (e.g. Pimsleur) or software (e.g. Rosetta Stone).
Also, take advantage of specialized tools such as spaced repetition flashcard software (e.g. Anki) for remembering things, online discussion boards as a place to ask questions, language exchange communities (e.g. Lang-8 ), and popup translation software for reading text on the computer. Once you reach an intermediate level, you can start using materials intended for natives such as comics, video games, and of course novels.
And of course, hanging out with native speakers will help your conversational abilities. But don't inflate the value of native speakers. They're good at using the language. Not necessarily teaching, explaining, or even understanding it.
there are some new digital way to learn language, emailing, messaging,skype talk......but guess talk in face-to-face still the best way to go.
I'd pick self study using a variety of materials if it was a choice. At the beginning, learn about the language using sources such as Wikipedia (although Wikipedia has its share of BS, it's getting better). This is IMO one of the most important steps. This protects you from BS, which will ambush you from all directions, especially when studying a Chinese language.
Next, depending on your goals, obtain a variety of learning materials. Most people would probably go for a university-level textbook. While reading (and working through) the textbook, one might obtain other materials such as audio lessons (e.g. Pimsleur) or software (e.g. Rosetta Stone).
Also, take advantage of specialized tools such as spaced repetition flashcard software (e.g. Anki) for remembering things, online discussion boards as a place to ask questions, language exchange communities (e.g. Lang-8 ), and popup translation software for reading text on the computer. Once you reach an intermediate level, you can start using materials intended for natives such as comics, video games, and of course novels.
And of course, hanging out with native speakers will help your conversational abilities. But don't inflate the value of native speakers. They're good at using the language. Not necessarily teaching, explaining, or even understanding it.