Interdiscursivity

Interdiscursivity refers to the phenomenon whereby elements from different discourses are combined in texts resulting in new hybrid or nodal discourses.  Interdiscursivity can also refer to the combination in text of context and register features associated with different genres resulting in new hybrid genres.  For example, Milonas (2007: 100) notes that television genres are flexible enough to mix and provide new creative possibilities.  With reference to a documentary film on the London transport attacks of 7 July 2005, Milonas states that the film's hybrid genre 'has strong elements of the traditional foundations of documentary, enriched by new stylistic choices, performance, the filmmaker's presence and entertainment' (ibid.).  Another example, given by Blackledge (2007: 11), would be the use of conversational features of language in the formal context of a speech to Parliament.  According to Fairclough (2003), interdiscursivity in text creates a hybridity of social practices characteristic of the blurring of social boundaries.