Maslow’s Pyramid of Psyciological Needs and Learning to Speak Spanish

Emotional experiences are at the heart of communication. All humans relate to these emotions and they are clearly a part of the stages of development as transform from Spanish learner to Spanish speaker.

1. Safety and Security.

One time my wife and I were in Bangkok, we got lost and as it approached dark we found ourselves in an inappropriate neighborhood. We were frightened and would have paid anything for just a few words to get out of there or even some social protocol. This is an extreme case but it illustrates the importance of being able to communicate. There is a lot of insecurity when one cannot express basic needs and wants. This is where we begin at Warren Hardy Level 1. It teaches you to function in Spanish and get your needs and wants fulfilled. Level 1 also teaches Social Protocol which will give you a sense of confidence while interacting with Spanish speakers, especially Mexicans. You will never feel embarrassed.

2. Love, Belonging

Warren Hardy Levels 2 and 3 will help you develop your skills so you can begin to express your personality into Spanish. You now know seven tenses and understand clearly how Spanish sentences are formed. You have the tools to create relationships and really sit down and converse with people. Practice develops friendships and friendships improve your Spanish. Nothing like new friends.

3. Self-Esteem

There is power in knowing how Spanish is put together. Once you have done The Warren Hardy Foundation Course, Levels 1 through 4 you will know all the Spanish tenses and basic grammar. You will be able to read Spanish and will have the tools to develop yourself as you practice with your Spanish speaking friends. Knowing the structure of Spanish will give you the confidence to speak and as you speak you will improve. As you improve, your self-esteem will improve. It is so rewarding and expanding to speak in another language with people of another culture. You experience yourself differently. You gotta feel good about that.

Now you are really having FUN!

4. Self Actualization

This is the thrill of the chase. As you begin to express your personality in Spanish, a Spanish speaking persona will begin to develop within you. At first you notice your mouth changing as you go from English to Spanish. Then your body movements will begin to change. This creation of this new persona, the Spanish speaking you, is a transformational process. You have transformed from Spanish learner to Spanish speaker. This is one of the greatest and most rewarding accomplishments in the human experience. Your Spanish becomes a precious gem that allows you to experience yourself differently. Those who accomplish this pay dearly in commitment, time, and money. Only those who get there can truly appreciate what this means. The rewards are MARVELLOUS!

I was fortunate to learn Spanish when I moved to Argentina at the age of 19. During my three years there I became fluent. Now after living in Mexico for 20 years, my Argentine has turned into a Mexican! I still get a thrill out of speaking Spanish and I still look for opportunities to practice in different venues. It is a delicious experience to interact with the Mexican people or any Hispanic person for that matter.

Finally I must acknowledge that there is a price to be paid for transformation. First you must have the vision and the intention. Study hard, practice and continue to study and practice and you will soon begin to feel yourself grow into a new you. It is the thrill of continued learning and growth that makes this happen.

I have personally taught over 30,000 people over a 35 year period. Through all this I see about 10 per cent who truly actualize themselves into Spanish speakers. That has been very rewarding. It is the intention that makes this happen. We humans can learn to speak other languages. Language is essential to our survival and we are hooked up to learn languages. And you know what, research shows that adults learn language faster than children.

All of my students learn to function, to get around comfortably and get the things they need and want. I can get your through Safety and Security and into love and belonging, and even Self-Esteem. I can give you the tools for Self-Actualization but you must practice.

The facts are that most of my students are satisfied learning to get by in Spanish and that is their choice. No judgment here. I am just grateful that I am able to help them along. It still thrills me to see my students speak Spanish no matter how lousy they think they are. It gives my life meaning!