Private speech of multilingual English learners: A cultural-historical study

This research investigates how adult multilingual learners develop English skills through private speech, their out-loud self-talk during activities. The study explores how private speech aids language learning during problem-solving tasks within Vygotsky's theory. 15 adult multilingual English learners with Kurdish and Persian backgrounds participated. Findings reveal private speech's regulatory role in English, with Kurdish and Persian used contextually and for translation. The study emphasises a developmental approach to comprehending connections between private speech, social speech, and inner speech in language learning. Valuable insights are provided into the role of private speech in enhancing multilingual learners' English language development.