On Recursion and Its Varieties

Formal, Cognitive and Use Aspects of Recursion in Language

By: Alejandro Sobrino

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eText | 12 June 2025

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This book discusses linguistic recursion as a transversal property that runs through different fields, including language, computer science, mathematics, architecture, music, and art. Linguistic recursion, considered since the seminal work of Hauser, Chomsky, and Fitch (2002) the defining characteristic of human language, has no analogue or homologue in other animal communication systems. This book presents different aspects of recursion from a syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic framework. Syntax recursion is largely addressed through the different types of dependencies, most notably those hierarchically composed. The semantic and pragmatic topics are respectively discussed in relation to the theory of mind and a dialogical use of language.

Although there are several texts on specific topics of recursion, this is the first that compiles its varieties, pointing out the differences, but also the interrelationships of its core aspects. The book presents recursion as a complex phenomenon related not only to language, but also to other cognitive scenarios, such as working memory, linguistic disabilities, or primitive cultures.