Substantive Bias in Artificial Phonology Learning

Abstract

This paper reviews the research on substantive bias in phonological learning since the publication of Moreton and Pater's paper on structure and substance in artificial phonology learning. The studies are categorised into vowel patterns, consonant patterns, and suprasegmental patterns. The review highlights advancements in experimental paradigms, a more precise definition of phonetic naturalness, and an expanded exploration of various phonological phenomena in the investigation of substantive bias over the past decade. Based on the review findings, we suggest that future research on the impact of substantive bias on phonological learning should include an examination of the articulatory and perceptual foundations of each phonological pattern, along with an analysis of the similarities in features, articulation, and perception.