(revised) In the DFDL spec., the problem exists of how to express the behavior of a construct in the situation where there are properties in scope surrounding the construct. I believe this kind of syntax can be used in the spec. to make clear the implications of scope: Properties in scope: lengthKind="implicit" representation="text" <sequence dfdl:separator="," dfdl:terminator=";" dfdl:lengthKind="delimited"> // these are local <element name="f1" type="string" /> <element name="f2" type="string" /> </sequence> I would suggest the above syntax for the DFDL spec as a way to discuss property semantics. The only way properties can get in scope is by way of an enclosing complexType definition; but using that syntax explicitly begs the question of whether one means true lexical enclosure, can there be other enclosing complexTypes also, etc. The above style eliminates these issues. Mike Beckerle | OGF DFDL WG Co-Chair | CTO | Oco, Inc. Tel: 781-810-2100 | 504 Totten Pond Road, Waltham MA 02451 | <mailto:mbeckerle.dfdl@gmail.com> mbeckerle.dfdl@gmail.com