Self-Reference in language... Before going further, I should explain the term "self-reference." Self-reference is ubiquitous. It happens every time any one says "I" or "me" or "word" or "speak" or "mouth". It happens every time a newspaper prints a story about reporters, every time someone writes a book about writing, designs a book about book design, makes a movie about movies, or writes an article about self-reference. Many systems have the capability to represent or refer to themselves somehow, to designate themselves (or elements of themselves) within the system of their own symbolism. Whenever this happens, it is an instance of self-reference. Self-reference is often erroneously taken to be synonymous with paradox. This notion probably stems from the most famous example of a self-referential sentence: the Epimenides paradox. Epimenides the Cretan said, "All Cretans are liars." I