Private Speech (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Children from two to about seven years old can be observed engaging in private speech -- speech spoken to oneself for communication, self-guidance, and self-regulation of behavior. Although it is audible, it is neither intended for nor directed at others. Private speech, although first studied by Vygotsky (1934/1986) and Piaget (1959), has received attention from researchers only in the past 30 years. During this time period, researchers have noted a positive correlation between children's use of private speech and their task performance and achievement, a fact also noted by Vygotsky. It is at the time when children begin school that their use of private speech decreases and "goes underground."