We are pleased to announce the publication of a review article by Ivy and Youngah, in Language and Linguistics Compass. The article, titled “Substantive Bias in Artificial Phonology Learning,” provides a comprehensive review of the research on substantive bias in phonological learning since the influential 2012 paper by Moreton and Pater.
The review categorizes studies into vowel, consonant, and suprasegmental patterns, highlighting advancements in experimental paradigms, the definition of phonetic naturalness, and the exploration of various phonological phenomena. It emphasizes how subtle methodological choices in experimental designs can affect the results of substantive bias.
Key findings from the review include:
- Vowel Patterns: Studies on vowel harmony have consistently developed more sophisticated paradigms, highlighting the role of naturalness in learning. The review showed how different training parameters (variable input, iterative learning) influence the effect of substantive bias.
- Consonant Patterns: Research in this domain has explored various phonological phenomena, including nasalization, voicing, and saltatory alternations, suggesting the importance of considering phonetic precursor strength and the roles of articulatory and perceptual factors when assessing substantive bias effects.
- Suprasegmental Patterns: Studies on tone and stress patterns have consistently shown a positive effect of substantive bias, differing from segmental patterns. The review suggests that these differences might be related to the learnability of the phonological patterns.
Based on their review, Ivy and Youngah suggest that future research should include:
- An examination of the articulatory and perceptual foundations of each phonological pattern
- An analysis of the similarities in features, articulation, and perception
The paper not only summarizes current findings but also provides important guidance for future research in phonological learning, particularly in the area of substantive bias.
Zheng, S., & Do, Y. (2025). Substantive Bias in Artificial Phonology Learning. Language and Linguistics Compass, 19(1), e70005. open_in_newDOI