Manaworapong and Bowen (2022) Language, gender, and patriarchy in Mulan

Examines the differences in male and female gendered language use across two different versions of Disney’s Mulan - the original 1998 version and the modern 2020 remake. Mostly quantitative data however there is some detailed qualitative linguistic analyses of examples from script extracts. The ‘Discussion’ section features a more critical interpretation of the results, relating … Continue reading Manaworapong and Bowen (2022) Language, gender, and patriarchy in Mulan

McKee (2020) Make(over)

Explores concepts surrounding gender presentation, particularly a characters’ transformation towards hegemonic masculinity, in three animated Disney films. Discusses which masculine roles and bodies are considered ‘ideal’ in Disney’s animation. Mostly qualitative approach using rhetorical criticism. Little detailed linguistic analysis but salient scenes from films are discussed critically in terms of visual, aural and kinesic features … Continue reading McKee (2020) Make(over)

Meerbergen and De Ridder (2026) Global or glocal heroes in PJs? A multimodal analysis…

Explores the impact of globalisation and 'glocalisation' on children's animated media through focusing on portrayals of female characters in Disney's 'PJ Masks' series, looking at the original and two international dubbed versions. Qualitative multimodal discourse analysis found that different countries add their own 'local flavour' to dubbed shows, including through the construction of differing gendered … Continue reading Meerbergen and De Ridder (2026) Global or glocal heroes in PJs? A multimodal analysis…

Micah (2023) English translations of gender nonconformity in shōjo manga and anime: A trans-queer materialist feminist analysis

Covers multi-modality and translation through a lens of decolonial, materialist and trans-queer feminism. Offers an extensive explanation and history of common gendered terms in Japanese and how they are commonly translated. Contains multimodal analysis of three ‘Shojo’ genre mangas and animes - “The Rose of Versailles” (1972), “Sailor Moon” (1992-1997) and “Ouran High School Host … Continue reading Micah (2023) English translations of gender nonconformity in shōjo manga and anime: A trans-queer materialist feminist analysis

Mohd Najib (2019) Queer representations in Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe

Looks at queer representation and gender performativity encoded in visual and verbal signs in the cartoon animation, Steven Universe, using semiotic analysis. Uses qualitative data that looks at salient extracts from different scenes across the series, incorporating both visual and linguistic analysis alongside one another. This thesis would be useful for those who are interested … Continue reading Mohd Najib (2019) Queer representations in Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe

Müller-Hartmann (2007) Is Disney safe for kids?

Explores various teaching methods incorporating Disney’s animated films that take into account and critically reflect on messages of ethnic and gender stereotyping present within the films. Mostly for practical purposes of pedagogic practice with little linguistic analysis, however could be useful for those interested the relationship between EFL learning and the process of critically reflecting … Continue reading Müller-Hartmann (2007) Is Disney safe for kids?

Okuley et al. (2025) A critical discourse analysis of selected animated cartoons of African origin

Performs a CDA investigating 3 African animated films aimed at children: 'Mark of Uru'; 'The Secret Princess'; and 'Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters'. Mostly qualitative analysis, although some quantitative elements are present. Found that, as well as the presence of positive narratives e.g. 'team spirit', ideologies which upheld patriarchal ideals and sexualised women were … Continue reading Okuley et al. (2025) A critical discourse analysis of selected animated cartoons of African origin