Language and Gender in the Fairy Tale Tradition: A Linguistic Analysis of Old and New Story-Telling

by Alessandra Levorato

Much research has been done on the social messages conveyed to children reading or listening to fairy tales. In this highly original study, the emphasis shifts from content to linguistic expression. The language and linguistic organization of a dozen versions, old and new, of the Little Red Riding Hood story are analyzed using a variety of theoretical approaches, including Critical Discourse Analysis, Conversational Analysis, Functional Grammar and Critical Stylistics, to uncover the contribution of fairy tales to the discourse of gender relations over time.

Genres: Linguistics

242 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2003

Reviews

[Nojood Alsudairi]

I never thought that Red Riding Hood had many virsions across history. The indications of change gender wise it carries is amazing. A great study of language and gender. Any one interested in folktales should read this.