Abstract
A computational model by Hayes and Wilson (2008) seemingly captures a diverse range of phonotactic phenomena without variables, contrasting with the presumptions of many formal theories. Here, we examine the plausibility of this approach by comparing generalizations of identity restrictions by this architecture and human learners. Whereas humans generalize identity restrictions broadly, to both native and nonnative phonemes, the original model and several related variants failed to generalize to nonnative phonemes. In contrast, a revised model equipped with variables more closely matches human behavior. These findings suggest that, like syntax, phonological grammars are endowed with algebraic relations among variables that support acrossthe-board generalizations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 97-119 |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| Journal | Linguistic Inquiry |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2012 |
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Keywords
- Algebraic
- Generalization
- Hebrew phonology
- Maxent
- OCP
- Variables
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Linguistics and Language
- Language and Linguistics
Cite this
On the role of variables in phonology : Remarks on Hayes and Wilson 2008. / Berent, Iris; Wilson, Colin; Marcus, Gary F.; Bemis, Douglas K.
In: Linguistic Inquiry, Vol. 43, No. 1, 12.2012, p. 97-119.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - On the role of variables in phonology
T2 - Remarks on Hayes and Wilson 2008
AU - Berent, Iris
AU - Wilson, Colin
AU - Marcus, Gary F.
AU - Bemis, Douglas K.
PY - 2012/12
Y1 - 2012/12
N2 - A computational model by Hayes and Wilson (2008) seemingly captures a diverse range of phonotactic phenomena without variables, contrasting with the presumptions of many formal theories. Here, we examine the plausibility of this approach by comparing generalizations of identity restrictions by this architecture and human learners. Whereas humans generalize identity restrictions broadly, to both native and nonnative phonemes, the original model and several related variants failed to generalize to nonnative phonemes. In contrast, a revised model equipped with variables more closely matches human behavior. These findings suggest that, like syntax, phonological grammars are endowed with algebraic relations among variables that support acrossthe-board generalizations.
AB - A computational model by Hayes and Wilson (2008) seemingly captures a diverse range of phonotactic phenomena without variables, contrasting with the presumptions of many formal theories. Here, we examine the plausibility of this approach by comparing generalizations of identity restrictions by this architecture and human learners. Whereas humans generalize identity restrictions broadly, to both native and nonnative phonemes, the original model and several related variants failed to generalize to nonnative phonemes. In contrast, a revised model equipped with variables more closely matches human behavior. These findings suggest that, like syntax, phonological grammars are endowed with algebraic relations among variables that support acrossthe-board generalizations.
KW - Algebraic
KW - Generalization
KW - Hebrew phonology
KW - Maxent
KW - OCP
KW - Variables
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84855719856&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84855719856&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1162/LING_a_00075
DO - 10.1162/LING_a_00075
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84855719856
VL - 43
SP - 97
EP - 119
JO - Linguistic Inquiry
JF - Linguistic Inquiry
SN - 0024-3892
IS - 1
ER -