Vygotsky's concept of private speech, also known as "egocentric speech" or "inner speech," refers to the

verbal expressions that children use when they talk to themselves aloud while engaged in tasks or
activities. According to Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development, private speech plays a crucial role in
a child's cognitive development and serves as a form of self-regulation and mental processing. Here are
some key points about Vygotsky's concept of private speech:
Self-regulation: Vygotsky believed that private speech helps children regulate their thoughts, emotions,
and behavior. By talking to themselves, children can plan, monitor, and guide their actions during
problem-solving tasks.
Example: A child saying out loud, "First, I need to gather all the materials, then measure and cut the
paper, and finally glue the pieces together" while working on a craft project.
Cognitive Development: Vygotsky argued that private speech is an important stepping stone in a child's
cognitive development, as it reflects the child's internalization of social speech. Over time, private
speech becomes internalized as inner speech, which guides a child's thinking and problem-solving
abilities.
Example: A child saying out loud, "I don't understand this math problem, let me try another approach,"
and then solving the problem successfully.
Social Interaction: Vygotsky emphasized that private speech is initially social in nature, as children often
talk to themselves in the same way they hear others talk to them. Private speech gradually becomes
more internalized and less audible as children grow older.
Example: A child talking to herself in the same way her teacher explained a concept in class while
working on a homework assignment.
Cultural Context: Vygotsky argued that private speech is influenced by a child's cultural and social
context. The language and content of private speech can vary depending on the child's cultural
background, language skills, and social environment.
Example: A bilingual child using different languages in their private speech depending on the context,
such as using English at school and their native language at home.
Developmental Changes: Vygotsky proposed that the use of private speech changes over time, with
younger children relying more on overt or audible private speech, while older children and adults use
more covert or internalized inner speech.
Example: A preschooler talking out loud while solving a puzzle, compared to an adolescent silently
thinking through a complex problem.

In summary, Vygotsky's concept of private speech highlights the important role of self-regulation,
cognitive development, social interaction, cultural context, and developmental changes in children's use
of speech for cognitive processes.
Vygotsky's principles of private speech, also known as "egocentric speech" or "inner speech," are based
on his theory of cognitive development and highlight the important role that self-regulation, language,
and social interaction play in children's cognitive processes. Here are some key principles of Vygotsky's
concept of private speech:

Self-regulation: Private speech serves as a tool for children to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and
behavior. By talking to themselves aloud, children can plan, monitor, and guide their actions during
problem-solving tasks, which helps them self-regulate their cognitive processes.

Language as a mediator: Vygotsky believed that language plays a critical role in cognitive development,
and private speech is seen as a form of self-directed speech that children use to mediate their thinking.
Language helps children externalize their thoughts and allows them to reflect on and manipulate their
ideas, leading to higher cognitive functions.

Social interaction: Private speech is initially social in nature, as children often talk to themselves in a
similar manner to how they hear others talk to them. Vygotsky proposed that social interaction is
necessary for cognitive development, and private speech reflects the internalization of social speech.

Cultural context: Vygotsky emphasized that private speech is influenced by a child's cultural and social
context. The language and content of private speech can vary depending on the child's cultural
background, language skills, and social environment.

Gradual internalization: Vygotsky proposed that private speech gradually becomes internalized as inner
speech, which is silent and serves as a mental tool for cognitive processes. Over time, children shift from
overt or audible private speech to covert or internalized inner speech as their cognitive processes
mature.

Developmental changes: Vygotsky argued that the use of private speech changes over time, with
younger children relying more on overt or audible private speech, while older children and adults use
more covert or internalized inner speech. Private speech evolves as children develop higher cognitive
functions and self-regulation abilities.

Functional significance: Vygotsky proposed that private speech has functional significance in cognitive
development, as it helps children plan, monitor, and guide their actions during problem-solving tasks.
Private speech is not just "babbling" or meaningless, but rather serves as a purposeful tool for children
to regulate their cognitive processes.
In summary, Vygotsky's principles of private speech emphasize its role in self-regulation, language
mediation, social interaction, cultural context, gradual internalization, developmental changes, and
functional significance in children's cognitive development. Private speech is seen as an important
mechanism that supports children's cognitive processes and facilitates their higher cognitive functions.