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…
Recent posts
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
Pholi (2022) Changes in politeness strategies with regards to gender differences …
Covers the use of politeness strategies (compliments, apologies, and tag questions) by male and female protagonists and antagonists in nine animated Disney films and four live-action remakes released between 1937 and 2020. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were used by the researcher. This thesis will be useful if you are interested in how gender … Continue reading Pholi (2022) Changes in politeness strategies with regards to gender differences …
Polanco (2010) “He’s a human, you’re a mermaid”
An exploration of gender in Disney’s The Little Mermaid through an analysis of three of the film’s songs as narrative performances of gender. Mostly based in interpretation and criticism with little detailed linguistic analysis however, this thesis would be useful for a detailed grasp of the concept of gender performance in Disney’s animated films. Polanco, … Continue reading Polanco (2010) “He’s a human, you’re a mermaid”
Putnam (2012) Mean ladies
Covers the presentation of male and female Disney villains' gender performances as queer or transgressive. Physical attributes, clothing, and actions the villains are shown performing are considered using qualitative analysis, and the ways in which the villains subvert heteronormative gender expectations are highlighted. This book chapter will be useful if you are interested in how … Continue reading Putnam (2012) Mean ladies