THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH IN LINGUISTICS
Abstract
This article examines the significance of speech within linguistic theory and practice, exploring its role in communication, cognition, social interaction, language acquisition, and technological applications. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from structuralism, functionalism, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics, the study highlights how speech serves as a bridge between linguistic competence and performance. Furthermore, the paper discusses the implications of speech analysis in modern fields such as discourse analysis, pragmatics, and artificial intelligence. The findings demonstrate that speech is not merely a secondary aspect of language but a fundamental component essential for understanding linguistic behavior and human interaction.