ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the concept of plagiarism itself is constructed and relative, and is becoming increasingly problematic with new understandings of discourses and texts. Plagiarism is usually understood as 'intention to deceive', but, as the Collins definition shows, even this has come under dispute. The American Historical Association (AHA) has modified its definition of plagiarism, and taken out all references to 'intention to deceive'. The notion of authorship has been questioned by postmodern theorists such as Barthes, Derrida and Foucault. Scollon perceives a current development towards a more oral and electronic system of referring to, through conference and e-mail chatting. For the new student, newly entering the academic discourses, and having to start using the discourses in assignments, there is no other way than to be a squatter, to live in the discourses of academia without owning them, maybe using a student loan to be paid off at a later stage.
