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

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 towards more ecologically valid approaches. Here, we describe the evolving landscape of experimental designs in speech neurophysiology, from discrete to continuous stimuli and from socially isolated listening to dynamic, multiagent communication. Realistic paradigms in that space 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. By synthesising findings across studies, we highlight how these ecologically valid speech paradigms have been contributing to refining theories of language processing and open new avenues for research. In doing so, this review critically evaluates of whether the move towards realism in speech neurophysiology represents a technological trend or a transformative leap in understanding the neural underpinnings of speech communication.