Conceptual Blending
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Input spaces: two or more mental spaces serve as inputs. Cross-space mapping: establishes correspondences between input spaces. Blended space: the fusion produces new emergent structure. Emergent meaning: after blending, new meanings arise that are not present in the input spaces. Scaffolding role: understanding and creating conceptual blends. For example, 'computer virus' blends the conceptual spaces of biological viruses and computers. It is a core mechanism for creativity and metaphor. Related variants: conceptual synthesis, conceptual synthesis space, conceptual blending, conceptual integration, conceptual fusion, conceptual integration, conceptual integration model.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Understanding and creating conceptual blends. For example, 'computer virus' blends the conceptual spaces of biological viruses and computers. It is a core mechanism for creativity and metaphor. Related variants: conceptual synthesis, conceptual synthesis space, conceptual blending, conceptual integration, conceptual fusion, conceptual integration, conceptual integration model.
Anchor fast decisions
Fauconnier and Turner's conceptual blending (fusion): maps two input mental spaces to a blended space, producing emergent new meanings. Blending is creation.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A6%82%E5%BF%B5%E6%B7%B7%E6%88%90%E7%90%86%E8%AB%96verified
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