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
Category: Research article
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…
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
Raymond (2013) Gender and sexuality in animated television sitcom interaction
Analyses 8 conversations from two animated sitcoms - Family Guy and American Dad - to explore the doing and undoing of gender roles in the genre. Focuses on scripted television discourse and conversation analysis, identifying situations where characters either uphold or break the norm. Also offers a history of the American animated sitcom genre. This … Continue reading Raymond (2013) Gender and sexuality in animated television sitcom interaction
Shehatta (2020) Breaking stereotypes
Covers the presentation of the protagonist, Princess Merida, in the Disney/Pixar film Brave. A multimodal approach was taken by the researcher, using both visual and linguistic analysis (looking at politeness strategies and face-threatening acts in particular). This article will be useful if you are interested in how femininity relates to politeness in animated films, particularly … Continue reading Shehatta (2020) Breaking stereotypes
Sheikh (2017) Stereotypical gender representations in Chhota Bheem
Explores stereotypical gender representations in both male and female characters in children’s animation Chhota Bheem. Looks at gender ratios of characters, physical characteristics and language of selected dialogues. Largely qualitative analysis, with a focus on the linguistics of chosen dialogues from the programme and how they reflect hegemonic gender stereotypes through critical discussion. This paper … Continue reading Sheikh (2017) Stereotypical gender representations in Chhota Bheem
Sliepushova (2020) Father-child discourse in Family Guy
Examines the differences in language use in father-son/daughter discourses in the animated series Family Guy. Applies a corpus-based analysis of the series’ scripts from seven episodes from 1998-2005, focusing on a direct and detailed linguistic comparison between the father’s predominant language use directed towards his son contrasted with his daughter. This paper would be useful … Continue reading Sliepushova (2020) Father-child discourse in Family Guy