That&#x27;s where I think where most NoSQL proponents start to miss the value of relational models and the closed Relational Algebra it allows.<p>As I understood it, SQL was a language for describing the Relational Algebra which was a closed mathematical concept.<p>You can take the syntax, assign functions to produce output from a non-relational model, but it&#x27;s no longer SQL...and it&#x27;s underlying power (the closed Relational Algebra) is no longer present.<p>So in a sense syntax and being relational are orthogonal, but syntax isn&#x27;t the defining characteristic of SQL (or why it&#x27;s so powerful).  I think a more insightful statement is: SQL (Relational Algebra) and being relational are codependent and relational and non-relational are orthogonal.<p>Which, if I am not mistaken (and again I am still trying to understand the finer points which is what motivated my original comment), NoSQL people fundamentally _cannot_ offer a query language similar to SQL based on the closed relational algebra.<p>They can mimic the syntax to make it more intuitive for new users coming from traditional RDMBS environments, but it&#x27;s fundamentally _not_ SQL&#x2F;relational algebra.<p>But again, I am just a cursory admirer&#x2F;learner and I am still trying to iron out my own understanding of the underlying theory.  So all additional information&#x2F;clarifications welcome :)