Is plagiarism a universal concept

Plagiarism is not a universal concept. In the United States and most of the Western world, plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized and or unacknowledged use of someone else's intellectual work, which we find dishonest and academically weak.

1. Does plagiarism have a universal definition?
2. Is plagiarism a concept?
3. Is plagiarism a norm?
4. Does the concept of plagiarism differ between countries?

Does plagiarism have a universal definition?

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition.

Is plagiarism a concept?

Although plagiarism in some contexts is considered theft or stealing, the concept does not exist in a legal sense. The use of someone else's work in order to gain academic credit may however meet some legal definitions of fraud.

Is plagiarism a norm?

Plagiarism is an ethical norm or standard. It is not, per se, a rule of law.

Does the concept of plagiarism differ between countries?

Different cultures have different customs about which texts students can use, what the text borrowing should look like, and where the writer should place the authors' names. That leads to many cultural differences in plagiarism.