Recursion in language: a layered-derivation approach

摘要: This paper argues that recursion in language is to be understood not terms of embedding, but derivational layering. A construction recursive if part its input the output a separate layer. Complex clauses may derived recursively this sense, also iteratively, suggesting standard arguments for or against are misdirected. More generally, we cannot tell grammar by simply looking at output; have know about generative procedure. Using new definition layering, once again inspect recorded data Piraha, arguing there reason believe Piraha after all.