"Speech Sounds" is a short story by Octavia Butler that explores a post-apocalyptic world where communication has broken down. The narrative follows a woman named Anyanwu who navigates a society where language is scarce, and people struggle to connect. The story highlights the importance of speech and the challenges faced when it is lost. In this dystopian setting, the characters grapple with their identities and relationships, revealing how essential language is to human interaction. The story raises questions about the nature of communication and the impact of societal collapse on personal connections, emphasizing the fragility of speech in maintaining community.