35.1899, Review: Dynamic Approaches to Phonological Processing: Hatfield (2023)

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LINGUIST List: Vol-35-1899. Mon Jul 01 2024. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 35.1899, Review: Dynamic Approaches to Phonological Processing: Hatfield (2023)

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Date: 30-Jun-2024
From: Ren Hulin Marvin [hulinr at hotmail.com]
Subject: Psycholinguistics: Hatfield (2023)


Book announced at https://linguistlist.org/issues/34.3255

AUTHOR: Hunter Hatfield
TITLE: Dynamic Approaches to Phonological Processing
SERIES TITLE: Elements in Psycholinguistics
PUBLISHER: Cambridge University Press
YEAR: 2023

REVIEWER: Ren Hulin Marvin

SUMMARY

Hatfield (2024) presents dynamic approaches to studying phonological
processing from a psychological perspective in his book Dynamic
Approaches to Phonological Processing, which is divided into eight
chapters. Grounded in the recognition of temporal aspects within
natural language, the book argues that models in speech production,
perception, and seriality offer valuable insights into understanding
phonological structure. Hatfield hypothesizes that the phonological
system interacts with mechanisms of speech production and perception
at specific processing stages. Notably, the book contends that
phonological derivation during speech processing transcends the
structural calculation phase. Moreover, Hatfield highlights a key
controversy surrounding dynamic models, namely their departure from
hierarchical structures such as syllables. The book concludes with a
summary of modalities in production, perception, and seriality,
showcasing their capacity to effectively represent speech as a
temporal process.

Chapter One of the book delves into dynamic perspectives in
phonological processing, serving as the primary focus of the study. It
comprehensively addresses the temporality inherent in linguistic
perspectives, contrasting common spatial metaphors employed in
linguistic theories with the temporal nature of natural speech. The
chapter advocates for mapping the relationship between phonological
derivatives and cognitive processes such as speech production and
perception. It illustrates sequential configurations influenced by
factors like word length, vowel changes, and prosody. Moreover, the
chapter discusses how production and perception systems interact with
phonological representations, highlighting major temporal factors such
as simultaneity and event ordering. It also scrutinizes whether a
temporal view obviates the need for hierarchical structures like
syllables. Additionally, the chapter critically examines background
knowledge in phonetics, phonology, and psycholinguistics, using modern
linguistic approaches to elucidate diverse concepts and evaluate
proposals for different temporal phonological models and
representations. It also discusses challenges that may arise due to
this shift in chronological perspective.

Chapter Two outlines the serial ordering in both speech production and
comprehension, focusing on constituent units such as phonemes and
syllables and their contextual factors. The chapter illustrates that
the selection algorithm operates on a competitive queuing basis,
wherein items compete by activating their levels to be selected
sequentially. The context of learning acts as a cue for setting up
these activation levels. Specifically, the chapter introduces the
dynamic OSCAR system, comprising oscillators with multiple frequencies
to structure sound. OSCAR utilizes oscillator-based context features
alongside phonetic feature vectors as item representations,
facilitating the regeneration of serial recall information by
incorporating the context signal to reactivate specific items. In
addition, it simulates phonological encoding by employing oscillators
for syllable-contexts or segment-contexts, with some oscillators
potentially being repetitive to demonstrate similarities among
different positions. Furthermore, the chapter discusses how such a
system encodes order and identifies errors arising from noise and
context similarity. This discussion leads to an examination of studies
on similar models, such as articulatory phonology (AP), highlighting
the broader implications of these findings.

Chapter Three introduces a theory that integrates AP and the task
dynamics (TD) model as a comprehensive framework for speech
production, tracking from phonological representation to detailed
articulator movements and durations. Within the AP/TD framework,
phonological representations are conceptualized as gestures defined
over articulatory variables, with movements corresponding to narrowing
in the vocal tract and leading to coarticulation effects due to
spatiotemporal overlapping. The chapter explores how the task dynamics
aspect of the model depicts the interaction of gestural scores in both
time and space, drawing an analogy to mass-spring dynamics. Gestural
coordination is described as the coordination of in-phase or
anti-phase relationships of oscillators. Additionally, the chapter
introduces the phonology-extrinsic timing (XT/3C) model of Turk and
Shattuck-Hufnagel (2007) as an alternative approach. This model
maintains phonemic representations by converting them into
acoustic/duration goals, planned using optimal control theory and
general tau theory. Moreover, the chapter briefly outlines the
differences between dynamic models and feedforward phonological
theories, emphasizing key components such as item representations,
selection/coordination mechanisms, control processes, and production
goals.

Chapter Four describes neuronal oscillations in speech perception and
production, beginning with the TRACE model developed at MIT. The
chapter then covers oscillations at gamma, theta, and delta frequency
bands that correspond with linguistic units like phonemes, syllables,
and stress groups, and can synchronize with speech rhythms for the
sampling, ordering, and binding of acoustic input. The relationship
between theta entrainment and developmental dyslexia, as well as noisy
phonological representations, is discussed. The last segment proposes
the co-excitation of biological populations in line with the
quasiperiodic speech envelope, resulting in the creation of the
context signal that maintains serial order and subsequently signifies
a unification of oscillation mechanisms in the processing, production,
and memory of speech. In addition, the fourth part interjects a
question regarding explaining temporal processing with oscillation
accounts, supporting the possibility of including oscillations in
phonological theory as a catalyst for revising phonological
representation and processes through the lens of dynamic modeling. The
author hints at the fact that showcasing the temporal features of
utterances is sufficient, but at the same time, insufficient to
illustrate regular phonological phenomena like the syllabic stress
system, phonological evolution, and non-local processes such as vowel
harmony. Ordinarily, only a comprehensive oscillation view can be
adopted for such structural phonological contexts.

Chapter Five illustrates Dynamic Intention Selection and Coordination
(DISC), a dynamic approach primarily developed by Sam Tilsen (2016),
along with studies on dynamic systems and phonology. DISC is built
upon AP/TD, incorporating a set of dynamic control mechanisms, with
the neural dynamic fields being the most significant. Four key points
of DISC, namely intentional planning fields, selection and
coordination mechanisms, prosodic dynamic fields, and co-selection
sets, are articulated. This chapter focuses on how DISC operates
within a timeframe, emphasizing phonological representations as
patterns of dynamic activation, suppression, and control over time,
rather than static rules or constraints. The theory aims to elucidate
how phonological knowledge and motor control are acquired, progressing
from selection with external feedback to selection with internal
feedback, and ultimately to coordinated control of co-selected
gestures.

Chapter Six deals with the impact of key issues discussed throughout
the book on the learning of phonological forms and speech,
particularly highlighting vibration oscillators as part of the rhythm
mechanism implemented in various language models. The concept
underscores the shared role of oscillations in time and language with
rhythm, which can be mathematically described through a formal model
of oscillation. Additionally, the chapter acknowledges potential
challenges associated with oscillator-based theories and proposes
additional factors contributing to climatic variations. Moreover, the
chapter identifies six recurring concepts from previous literature,
delving deeper into the speech perception/production loop and
suggesting the incorporation of speed restrictions in models to
improve functionality. It also emphasizes the importance of
establishing a clear correspondence between acoustic values and
articulatory representations. To enhance understanding, the chapter
introduces graphics for Taskogram display, showcasing a combination of
gestural scores, intentional field activations, and spectra diagrams,
with key points exemplified.

Chapter Seven provides a comprehensive review of the contributions
made by dynamic theories of phonology. It evaluates their efficacy in
addressing a wide array of phonological inquiries, contributing
significantly to the field while elucidating the composition of the
lexicon. DISC, in particular, offers explanations across diverse
domains such as timing, uptake, concord, phonological processes,
syllable structure, stress, typology, and underlying
linguistic/neurophysiological processes. The broad scope of
implementation necessitates reformulation of foundational phonological
hypotheses. Furthermore, the chapter explores the integration of
phonology with speech production and perception, emphasizing its
paramount importance. It showcases how Harper employs dynamic fields
to model socio-phonetic variation, effectively tackling the challenge
of unifying variable data stemming from phonological patterns.
Addressing the issue of lexical representation, the chapter proposes a
DISC-inspired framework wherein words are conceptualized as units of
connection weights within semantic fields, with intentional planning
serving as nodes. These connections, varying in strength, correspond
to specific articulatory targets. Furthermore, the chapter explores
the potential of a network-based lexicon in mapping serial order,
summarizing the dynamic model's role in providing a comprehensive
explanation of phonological patterns, the cognitive processes
structuring these patterns, and the functional relationship linking
production and perception aspects of speech. It offers fresh insights
into various representational issues within the field.

Chapter Eight concludes by emphasizing the dynamic nature of
phonological processing, highlighting its complexity beyond mere
technological implementation details. It suggests that core
phonological algorithms and operations may require complete revision.
The chapter explains that the continuous activation observed in
dynamic models such as DISC reflects an inherent property of the
brain's dynamic nature. It discusses the concept of machine thinking
in terms of energy flow constancy and patterns of energy movement.
Furthermore, key ideas are explored, including the concept of creation
arising from the organization of information to reduce initial
randomness. The chapter discusses oscillations as essential ripples of
compressing energy waves necessary for brain function, as well as
various models based on combining energy from different inputs.
Additionally, the chapter examines language theory regarding
constituents, advocating for a transition from conventional concepts
to prioritizing control processes and activation dynamics. It
encourages viewing language as a dynamic system characterized by
energy and information flow over time.

In a nutshell, the chapter underscores the importance of considering
not only time but also space in understanding evolving systems,
viewing them as stemming from the motion of energy, which in turn
drives various structural changes. This perspective prompts a shift in
research interests and approaches, leading to the creation and
investigation of control architectures for phonological patterns.

EVALUATION

The book advances in phonological study and becomes a new influence on
phonological theory. It is valuable for researchers who are
experimenting with the dynamic and temporally-related branches of
speech and phonological processes. The book is remarkable for its
exemplary discussion of different approaches that represent the
necessarily time-dependent nature of speech, often ignored by
classical linguistic theory.

Hatfield’s writing style is lucid and understandable through the
categorization of concepts and clear examples. The discussion provides
notable theories underlying dynamic phonological models, emphasizing
seriality, gestural coordination, oscillator-based timing mechanisms,
and the integration of perceptual and production elements. The
analysis draws from both current and classical sources, establishing a
strong theoretical foundation complemented by the most recent
empirical findings and modeling advancements. This broad range is
manifested in an understanding of the motivation and problems that
dynamic approaches seek to address.

The book presents exceptional conceptions of phonological
representations, moving away from static rules or constraints to
dynamic layouts of activation and control over time. The idea of using
energy flow operations and patterns to understand language
computations is introduced, opening up prospective ways of
investigating the neural control architecture behind phonology. For
example, through the analysis of the DISC (Dynamics, Intention
Selection, and Coordination) model, which features a fascinating set
of control mechanisms like intention fields and joint coordination
processes, a convincing argument is made about how phonological
perception and the coordination of articulation muscles develop
through external feedback to fine-tune intrusion. The connection
between oscillator-based timing and gestural scorings, marked with
competitive queuing, explains phenomena such as syllable weight,
harmony processes, and the temporal dynamics of coarticulation.

Overall, this book is beneficial for those seeking a thorough and
stimulating discussion of neuroscience in language learning.
Fundamentally, its implication is not just to redefine conceptual
temporal phonology but to prompt readers to rethink the origin of
language as a phenomenon based on the flows and forces of dynamic
energy rather than rigid rules and regulations, especially in light of
the emergence of ChatGPT. Equipped with a sophisticated research
methodology, informed analysis, and innovative viewpoints, Hatfield’s
book is expected to have a far-reaching effect on the development and
further comprehension of linguistic theory that acknowledges the human
mind’s central role in speech processing.


REFERENCES

Turk, A., & Shattuck-Hufnagel, S. (2007). Multiple targets of
phrase-final lengthening in American English words. Journal of
Phonetics, 35 (4), 445-472.

Tilsen, S. (2016). Selection and coordination: The articulatory basis
for the emergence of phonological structure. Journal of Phonetics, 55,
53-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wocn.2015.11.005

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Hulin Ren is a Professor at the School of Foreign Studies, University
of Science and Technology Beijing. His main interests include
psycholinguistics, dynamic phonological and sentence processing, and
he has great interest in the areas of rule-based and experience-based
language processing.
Luqi Ge is a masters student at the School of Foreign Studies,
University of Science and Technology Beijing. Her interests are
focused on psycholinguistics and affective language processing.

Correspondence address: hulinr at aliyun.com



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