indexing (n.)

An application of the general use of this term in GENERATIVE LINGUISTICS to refer to the numerical or literal markers attached to a set of items in a SENTENCE, to show identity or difference of REFERENCE. The indices are known more explicitly as referential indices. In later work, indexing rules ASSIGN numerical or literal indices to NOUN PHRASES in a sentence to ensure that the correct SEMANTIC relations of co-reference are represented – a process which has come to be known as CO-INDEXING. The CONDITIONS which restrict the application of indexing rules are known as BINDING conditions.