Language and Executive Functions: Self-Talk for Self-Regulation

Self-talk, particularly privatized, inner speech is used as a tool to support self-regulation. Thus, adequate language is a necessary component for regulatory inner speech. However, behavioral control and planful deliberation is also dependent upon adequate executive function (EF) development. Increasing evidence suggests that children with specific language impairment (SLI) display deficits in more than just language, with differences in various cognitive processes, the use of language for inner speech, and self-regulating EF. Assessment and treatment by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) should account for these variables. In particular, Vygotskian application of hands-on problem solving tasks is suggested to support the intersection of language and EF for planful, self-regulated efforts in children with SLI.