The Central Role of Speech
Speech goes beyond a simple means of communication and transfer of information between children. Speech is the most important and fundamental tool for the formation of the structure of thinking and the regulation of behavior. Speech is not only a tool for expressing thoughts and feelings; It is also an internal tool used by children to regulate their mental functions, such as planning, regulating emotions, problem-solving, and decision-making. Thanks to speech, children are able to formulate their perception of the world, reorganize their experience and interact with the world around them more consciously and effectively. Speech also plays a key role in shaping social relationships, allowing children to share experiences with others, internalize cultural rules and norms, and form self-identification within a communicative social environment. The central role of speech in neuropsychological development makes it a link between the internal (individual) level and the external (social) level, contributing to the integration of various mental functions. From this point of view, any speech disorder or disorder affects not only the ability to speak or understand, but also spreads to other areas of development, emphasizing its importance as a fundamental pillar in the formation of higher psychological competencies in children.