He believed that children in the preoperational stage of development (approximately ages 2-7) engage in this type of speech, which is characterized by:
* Lack of awareness of the listener's perspective: Children speak as if they are talking to themselves, even when there are other people present.
* Focus on personal thoughts and feelings: The content of their speech is often about their own experiences and emotions, without considering the listener's interests or understanding.
* Lack of true dialogue: Egocentric speech is not a genuine exchange of ideas, but rather a stream of thoughts and feelings that are spoken aloud without any intention to communicate with others.
While Piaget initially viewed egocentric speech as a sign of immaturity, later research has shown that it plays an important role in cognitive development. It helps children:
* Organize their thoughts: Speaking aloud can help children solidify their understanding of concepts and events.
* Practice language skills: Egocentric speech allows children to experiment with language and develop their vocabulary and grammar.
* Regulate their emotions: Talking to themselves can help children manage their feelings and cope with challenging situations.
Therefore, while egocentric speech may appear to be self-centered, it serves a valuable purpose in children's cognitive and emotional development.