Understanding genre evolution, hybridity and heterogeneity: a diachronic discourse analysis of Chinese historical biography

Abstract This study employs a combination of diachronic discourse analysis and statistical methods to examine three Chinese historical biographies from distinct historical periods, with genre evolution, hybridity, and heterogeneity closely examined to elucidate the dynamic interplay between textual practices, the enactment of social actions, and sociohistorical forces. The analysis reveals that Chinese historical biographies exhibit pronounced hybridity, integrating five text types: narrative, evaluative, argumentative, explanatory, and expository. Diachronic heterogeneity is manifest in linguistic features and the relative emphasis on specific social actions of establishing value, disseminating knowledge, and entertaining readers. It is also found that the evolution, hybridity and heterogeneity of these biographies and their associated social actions can be attributed to the dominant ideologies – nationalism, truth-seeking, and sensationalism – that were prevalent during their respective periods of composition in China.