Context-free word problem semigroups

Abstract

This paper studies the classes of semigoups and monoids with context-free and deterministic context-free word problem. First, some examples are exhibited to clarify the relationship between these classes and their connection with the notions of word-hyperbolicity and automaticity. Second, a study is made of whether these classes are closed under applying certain semigroup constructions, including direct products and free products, or under regressing from the results of such constructions to the original semigroup(s) or monoid(s).