Inner speech processes for overt language production—Comparison of native English speakers and different proficiency learners of English

Abstract

Inner speech refers to an internal process as a tool for internalized thinking besides actual overt speech. It plays an important role in analyzing and planning tasks occurring outside the world. Asano (2015) found that second language learners of English used different inner speech depending on their proficiency level. The roles of inner speech by native speakers and language learners also differ (Fernyhough et al., 2004). In addition, all people do not commonly use representations in the internal process. The dominance, such as speech language, written language, and visual imagery (Nakayama et al., 2021), to prepare for overt activities depends on the person. This research aims to determine what kind of inner speech or other processes will be prepared for the overt language activities between native speakers and second-language learners of English. The subjects for both groups answered which dominant is used as the inner preparation processes for overt language production by answering the survey questionnaires. Knowing the native speakers' inner speech process before the overt production activities will help the second language learners' overt language activities and suggest ideas for their language proficiency improvement.