Memory access circuit with pointer shifting network

A relatively addressed memory is disclosed for accessing a data list located in a distributed architecture first-in first-out (FIFO) or last-in first-out (LIFO) memory. The memory permits any data in the data list to be addressed and accessed relative to the head or tail of the data list. This access allows reading and writing of data at the relative location. The addition of a data shifting capability enables the insertion and deletion of data at the relative location. When the memory consists of several memory chips, a memory routing network and a transfer circuit enables relative addressing across memory chips.