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Private speech, according to Vygotsky, refers to the verbal expressions that individuals, particularly children, use to themselves as a means of guiding their own thoughts and actions. This self-directed speech serves as a tool for self-regulation and cognitive development, illustrating how individuals articulate their thinking processes verbally before internalizing them as inner speech. This process reflects Vygotsky's belief that language is fundamental in cognitive development, where private speech helps individuals work through problems and control their actions.

In terms of the other options, while levels of development, support for learning, and collaborative contributions can play roles in educational contexts, they do not encapsulate the specific concept of private speech as Vygotsky defined it. Instead, private speech is distinctly marked as a personal cognitive strategy that directly supports the individual’s self-regulation and problem-solving abilities.