What is the purpose of private speech in individuals?

Private speech proves an executive function. For example, the ability to maintain attention, monitor thoughts and steer them in productive directions, which become increasingly important as we learn complex ideas and solve sophisticated problems. Private speech forms the foundation for cognitive skills such as remembering and problem solving (Winsler, Fernyhough, & Montero, 2009). Private speech provide the tools for children to examine their thinking, help with problem solving and other higher order functions, and control emotions and actions, all of which mark the beginnings of self-regulation.