Two Ways to Blend: The Hidden Complexities of Simplex Networks

Abstract

The notion of simplex networks refers to a type of conceptual blending, by means of which empty roles of a frame (such as the frame of human kinship) are combined with values from the other semantic field (such as individuals who may be conceived of as kin). The current paper argues that there are two main ways in which simplex networks can be constructed: top-down and bottom-up. The construction of top-down simplex networks is prompted by linguistic cues, and in line with those, structure from the roles is projected onto the values in the blended space. The construction of bottom-up simplex networks, on the other hand, is not prompted by linguistic cues but by pattern recognition, and the perceived structure of the values determines which frames and roles may be chosen for the purposes of blending.