Ivy recently presented at the Annual Meeting on Phonology 2024 (AMP2024), held from November 1-3 at Rutgers University, on the paper “Learners’ generalization of alternation patterns from ambiguous data”. The paper, written by Bingzi, Ivy and Yonugah, explored the intriguing question of how language learners generalize patterns from ambiguous linguistic data.
The research focuses on the acquisition of alternation patterns, a type of phonological process that involves changes in sound patterns across different word forms. By examining how learners handle ambiguous data, the study sheds light on the cognitive mechanisms underlying phonological learning.
The study highlighted the complex interplay between simplicity and complexity in language acquisition. While learners tend to favor simpler generalizations, they are also capable of acquiring more intricate patterns under specific conditions.
This research has significant implications for our understanding of language development, particularly in the realm of phonology. It contributes to ongoing debates about the role of simplicity and complexity in shaping linguistic knowledge.