Speech Neurophysiology in Realistic Contexts: Big Hype or Big Leap?

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Di Liberto, Giovanni M., Ip, Emily Y. J.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Di Liberto, Giovanni M.
Ip, Emily Y. J.
author_facet Di Liberto, Giovanni M.
Ip, Emily Y. J.
contents Understanding the neural basis of speech communication is essential for uncovering how sounds are translated into meaning, how that changes with development, ageing, and speech-related deficits, as well as contributing to brain-computer interfaces research. While traditional neurophysiological studies have relied on simplified, controlled paradigms, recent advances have shifted the field toward more ecologically-valid approaches. Here, we examine the impact of continuous speech research and discuss the potential of speech interaction neurophysiology. We present a discussion on how realistic paradigms challenge conventional methods, offering richer insights into neural encoding, functional brain mapping, and neural entrainment. At the same time, they introduce significant analytical and technical complexities, particularly when incorporating social interaction. We discuss the evolving landscape of experimental designs, from discrete to continuous stimuli and from socially-isolated listening to dynamic, multi-agent communication. By synthesising findings across studies, we highlight how naturalistic speech paradigms contribute to refining theories of language processing and open new avenues for research. In doing so, this review critically evaluates of whether the move toward realism in speech neurophysiology represents a technological trend or a transformative leap in understanding the neural underpinnings of speech communication.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_05494
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Speech Neurophysiology in Realistic Contexts: Big Hype or Big Leap?
Di Liberto, Giovanni M.
Ip, Emily Y. J.
Neurons and Cognition
Understanding the neural basis of speech communication is essential for uncovering how sounds are translated into meaning, how that changes with development, ageing, and speech-related deficits, as well as contributing to brain-computer interfaces research. While traditional neurophysiological studies have relied on simplified, controlled paradigms, recent advances have shifted the field toward more ecologically-valid approaches. Here, we examine the impact of continuous speech research and discuss the potential of speech interaction neurophysiology. We present a discussion on how realistic paradigms challenge conventional methods, offering richer insights into neural encoding, functional brain mapping, and neural entrainment. At the same time, they introduce significant analytical and technical complexities, particularly when incorporating social interaction. We discuss the evolving landscape of experimental designs, from discrete to continuous stimuli and from socially-isolated listening to dynamic, multi-agent communication. By synthesising findings across studies, we highlight how naturalistic speech paradigms contribute to refining theories of language processing and open new avenues for research. In doing so, this review critically evaluates of whether the move toward realism in speech neurophysiology represents a technological trend or a transformative leap in understanding the neural underpinnings of speech communication.
title Speech Neurophysiology in Realistic Contexts: Big Hype or Big Leap?
topic Neurons and Cognition
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.05494