But why does “speech” matter?   Speech is only one of several components of communication and language.  A normally developing kindergartener has mastered the majority of speech sounds in English and is intelligible to most listeners, even those who are not acquainted with the child.  Research studies have established the connections between early language development and later reading and writing proficiency.  Furthermore, it is recognized that spoken language provides the foundation on which literacy is built.  Studies have also shown the tremendous economic burdens created on society by illiteracy, such as the links between academic failure, violence and incarceration.

The ability to process, manipulate, and produce fluent, intelligible, and comprehensible speech and language is the crux of a literate society.    These skills begin to develop in infancy and must be nurtured for later academic success and technological proficiency.  Literacy and technological prowess are the keys to success in a global, highly interconnected world.  For these reasons, speech matters.