Rachel Walker, Vowel patterns in language (Cambridge Studies in Linguistics 130). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Pp. x+356.

Abstract

into the Response Buffer, where they are held temporarily in a state that allows for self-monitoring, including evaluation as to how well they correspond to the optimal output. On the basis of less-than-optimal output patterns, the child can alter weights in the neural network to improve subsequent performance. However, if these sub-symbolic output patterns are qualitatively different from the symbolic input patterns, it is not clear how the learner can evaluate their adequacy. Smith's discussion is interesting, but far too abbreviated. Perhaps the intent was to raise issues for discussion, rather than to provide any compelling answers, and if so, the discussion is successful.Overall, this book is a dense read but well worth it. The database of Zak's phonological development is interesting and detailed, and will undoubtedly be mined by others. The discussion of theory is interesting but terse ; terms are not defined, and ultimately it is difficult to decide whether Smith's arguments are compelling. Despite these weaknesses, the book has many strengths, and it is a worthwhile read. It will undoubtedly attract the same sort of attention as Smith's previous book has had over the past forty years.

Feminist institutionalism and women’s political leadership in devolution era Scotland

“…Sturgeon’s championing of causes gender-coded as women’s concerns is also assessed. These findings support Shaw’s ( 2020 ) conclusions that the ‘founder members’ status enjoyed by female members of the Scottish Parliament has contributed to a distinctive political culture, but they question the success of institutional feminism in achieving more substantive egalitarian objectives.…”

“…In a narrower British context, devolution was seen as an opportunity for feminists to achieve significant changes in the environment of a new experiment in national democracy at a Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish level. The new assemblies held out the hope of a ‘blank canvas’ (Shaw 2020 ) for democratic innovation, but in practice were subject to both the normative assumptions conditioned by centuries of Westminster politics and the aspirations of feminist activists which were specifically formulated in opposition to these expectations.…”