Private Speech in SI refers to which behavior?

• A. Children speak aloud as they are engaged in play
• B. Children keep thoughts internal
• C. Adults talk to themselves
• D. Nonverbal gestures only

Answer: (A)

Private Speech in social interactionist theory refers to children talking aloud to themselves while they are engaged in a task or during play. This self-talk acts as a self-regulatory tool, helping them plan actions, guide problem-solving steps, and stay on task. It’s a transitional stage where language used socially becomes internalized later as inner speech. This behavior is about children speaking aloud to themselves, not about keeping thoughts silent, and not about adults talking to themselves or using nonverbal gestures only.