Using neurofeedback for English phonetics learning: potentiality of MMN

A prototype of phonetics learning application based on neurofeedback is presented. The learner´s auditive discrimination of chosen phonemes is evaluated using his EEG response to auditory contrasts in an oddball paradigm experiment. When auditory contrasts distinction takes place, the well-known mismatch negativity (MMN) potential registered presents a negative amplitude while zero or positive amplitudes indicate that the participant is not able to discriminate among phonemes. MMN can be processed or directly presented as user feedback, depending on the target-user profile (age, special needs, learning abilities etc.). The paradigm of application presented has many potential usages as phonetics learning tool given its capacity to automatically (i) evaluate the phonetic discrimination providing feedback, (ii) adapt to the individual needs/challenges of the user based on that feedback and (iii) keep track of the improvements achieved.