“Aladdin” in the eyes of Disney 2019: identity reflections on cultural representation of Middle East

Abstract EN

Disney animated films play an important role in presenting and modifying values via adaptable characters for all world's children or even adults.

These films reduce the gab of viewers' different cultures and social values and represent a good source of imagination and love.

The old romantic story of Aladdin lives in most children's minds and hearts till now, used to highlight the eastern cultural identity in the current film and the change of Arabian cultural discourse.

The study aims at identifying different cultural aspects, values, and the shift of Disney's visualization of the Arabian identity.

Kress and Van Leeuwen and Fairclough are used as theoretical frameworks to analyze the discourse of the film.

Results indicate a noticeable change in Disney's views about the Arabian identity with continuous bias to the power of American culture and a final focus on the Arabian values.

Consequently, more studies are recommended to be conducted about the film and its different effects on different sides of both societies.

More deep analysis is required to get cultures closer and more understanding toward each other.