Single-scope networks
While in the simplex network only one of the inputs is structured by a frame, and in the mirror network all the spaces share a common frame, in the single scope network both inputs contain frames, but each is distinct. Furthermore, only one of the input frames structures the blend. Consider example (17).
This sentence prompts for an integration network in which there are two inputs. In one input there are two business rivals, MICROSOFT and NETSCAPE, and Microsoft takes Netscape’s market share. In the other input there are two BOXERS, and the first boxer knocks out the second. In the blend, MICROSOFT and NETSCAP Eare BOXERS, and MICROSOFTKNOCKSOUTNETSCAPE (see Figure 12.11). What distinguishes this type of network is that only one frame (here, the BOXING frame rather than BUSINESS frame) serves to organise the blend. In other words, the framing input provides the frame, including the roles for BOXERS, while the focus input provides the relevant elements: the values MICROSOFT and NETSCAPE.
An important function of single-scope networks is to employ pre-existing compressions in the framing input (input 1 in Figure 12.11) to organise diffuse structure from the focus input (input 2 in Figure 12.11). The framing input is itself a blend that contains a number of pre-existing inner-space relations. These include compressions over TIME, SPACE and IDENTITY (different individuals perform as boxers, either as a hobby or as a career, and through shared identity give rise to the role BOXER), among others, which are then com pressed into a BOXING frame. This pre-existing blend functions as the framing input for the single-scope network in Figure 12.11, where input 1 contains a tightly compressed inner-space relation that includes just two participants, a single boxing space, a limited period of time (for example, ten three-minute rounds), and a specific kind of activity. This inner-space relation, when projected to the blend, provides structure onto which a range of diffuse activities in the focus input can be projected: the input relating to BUSINESS RIVALRY between MICROSOFT and NETSCAPE. The blend compresses the diffuse nature of business rivalry as a result of the properties of the framing input. This function of single-scope networks in particular relates directly to one of the main subgoals of blending presented in Table 12.3: to compress what is diffuse. Figure 12.12 illustrates this subgoal.
Single-scope networks form the prototype for certain types of conceptual metaphor, such as compound metaphors and metaphors motivated by perceptual resemblance. In other words, the source-target mapping in a metaphor is part of an integration network that results in a blend. From this perspective, many conceptual metaphors may be more insightfully characterised as blends. However, it does not follow that all metaphors are blends. While compound metaphors like BUSINESS IS BOXING, or the more general mapping BUSINESS IS PHYSICAL COMBAT may be blends, it is less obvious that primary metaphors are blends. We return to this point below.
