An effective strategy for internalizing language -- inner speech

This paper presents an overview of the characteristics of inner speech which is fundamental to an effective outer speech. The relationship between inner speech and self-awareness is explored. There is a possibility that inner speech might just represent the cognitive process of processing information about itself. Inner speech parallels the state of self-awareness, is more frequently used among highly selfconscious persons, and represents an effective, if not indispensable, tool involved in the formation of the self-concept. The benefits of inner speech such as Increasing memory retention and deep processing are discussed. Then it challenges the popular assumption that the silent period produced by the learner is a negative phenomenon. The assumption that outer voice indicates language learning is so deeply rooted in some of the language teachers that silent period may be a sign of inactivity or not doing anything at all. Thus a lot of emphasis is laid on reading aloud after the teacher and questions-and – answers. The teachers’ intervention actually inhabits inner voice and interferes with learners’ active mental representations and language learning. The paper calls for early training of inner speech and suggests concentrating on learners’ vocabulary at beginning level and postponing reading until substantial vocabulary has been acquired so as to ensure inner voice development. Since inner speech facilitates learning especially oral English, different kinds of learning activities have been designed to help produce inner speech. The paper also stresses the importance of using authentic materials and making use of L1 inner speech so as to provide favourable learning conditions.