Enhancing EFL Speaking Skills Through Dichotic Listening and Low-Pass Filtering: A Neuro Verbotonal Approach

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of a Neuro Verbotonal Approach (NVT) in enhancing the speaking proficiency of Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners by optimizing auditory input through acoustic modifications. Grounded in Verbotonal Theory, the approach employs dichotic listening and low-pass filtering to align auditory stimuli with the functional specializations of the brain’s hemispheres. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with 64 first-year college students divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups performed identical tasks under identical conditions. However, the experimental group received optimized dichotic auditory input tailored for hemispheric lateralization, while the control group experienced conventional diotic listening. After 12 weeks, the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in speaking proficiency, with enhancements in phoneme accuracy, fluency, and intelligibility. Statistical analyses, including mean score and change score analyses, revealed the greater efficacy of the NVT approach. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating neurophysiological features and precision language education principles into language pedagogy. The study also contributes to the advancement of Verbotonal Theory and proposes a scalable, technology-driven model for personalized language learning. Future research should explore broader applications and incorporate neuroimaging for a deeper understanding of brain-language interactions.