Document Type

Thesis

Degree Comments

Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University, 2017.

Degree Program

English

Degree Type

Master of Arts in Teaching

Abstract

Although cartoons are entertaining and worldwide appreciated, studies have demonstrated that they are not neutral, and are likely to convey messages about society linguistic ideologies. This study aims to find out if Disney animated films released in 2016 use accents to express the nature of the characters. A discourse analysis is conducted with two animated films produced by Disney Studios to examine the language choices concerning accent use. Results show that these films convey language ideologies in animated cartoons through the use of accents, and the portrayal of these accents can reproduce and sustain language-based stereotypes of the groups who used these accents. The study also aims to raise awareness of second language teachers on how animated films might influence learners’ attitudes towards language learning.

Committee/Advisor(s)

Julia Stakhnevich (chair)

Alexandra Dema

Anne E. Doyle

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