Linguistic Stereotypes in Childrens Animated Film

Just as a song or scent conjures memories or feelings, film influences its audience. Many underestimate the power of the silver screen, especially when the movieviewers are children and the film is animated. Much of that influence lies in the linguistic aspects of the characters. This book examines the claim that animated films influence childrens opinions of accented-English. Two hundred and eighteen 3rd through 5th graders participated in a web-based survey. They listened to speakers with various accents: Mainstream US English (MUSE), African American Vernacular English (AAVE), French, British, and Arabic. Respondents judged speakers personality traits (Work Ethic, Wealth, Attitude, Intelligence), assigned jobs/life positions, and provided personal information, movie watching habits, and exposure to foreign languages. Anyone is welcome to read this book and will find particular aspects interesting; however, those who have children, plan to have children, or are themselves movieviewers will find particular interest in the findings within this book.