Page 89 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Linguistic Encoding of Stereotypes: An Analysis of the Dialogues in
Contemporary Films and Television Shows

R.N.C. Wedage
Department of English and Linguistics, University of Ruhuna
naviniwedage@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study explores how linguistic encoding in films and television shows presents the linguistic stereotypes
through dialogues, exploring accents, dialects, gendered words, and diction which result in unconscious bias.

The research objectives are to analyse how stereotypes are shown through linguistic patterns in films and
television shows, to investigate the asymmetry of stereotype language and standardised language in films and

television shows, and to assess the attitudes of audiences towards the given linguistic stereotypes.
Methodologically, the research uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to discuss the use of dialogues utilising
a convenience sample of 10-15 contemporary films and television shows of different genres from 2010-2025.

The major findings show that the marginalised groups are portrayed using non-standard dialects, exaggerated
accents, and reductive stereotype lexicons. In contrast, dominant groups utilise prestige varieties in linguistics

such as Received Pronunciation (RP), Legal English, and Corporate Language. Some female characters use
tentative language, including hedges, excessive politeness markers, emotional lexical choices, and rising
intonations. Conversely, some male characters employ direct commands, assertive speech, action-oriented

lexicons, and technical jargon. The study provides the conclusion as the media language does not only reflect
stereotypes but reinforces them in society, which includes that it supports the power hierarchies in society and
how these portrayals are recognised and internalised by the audience. It is recommended to encourage

discussions about how language forms the perception of the audience, conduct workshops on how to portray
speech patterns in films and television shows, and work with linguists, sociolinguists and consultants to ensure
authenticity and respect for dialogues in films and television shows. The research indicates a connection

between sociolinguistics and media studies showing that language is a mirror of social stereotypes as sources
support the idea of a more conscious and inclusive approach to media in general.

Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, dialogues, media representation, sociolinguistics, stereotypes

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