Date of Defense
8-1-2026 2:00 PM
Location
Room 2124, H1 Building
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Language and Literacy
First Advisor
Dr. Michael O’Sullivan
Keywords
Freej, Emirati Folklore, Dialect, Culture, Education.
Abstract
This mixed‑methods study examined how the Emirati animated series Freej preserves traditional folklore through vernacular language, dialect, and idiomatic expressions, and evaluated its educational potential. Guided by four questions on folklore representation, dialect/idiom use, the role of the characters, and curricular applicability, the research combined content analysis of selected episodes, interviews coding and a survey of 100 Emirati participants; survey data were summarized with descriptive statistics to triangulate qualitative insights. Findings indicated that audiences overwhelmingly perceived Freej as linguistically and culturally authentic: 95% rated the dialect as very/somewhat authentic, 94% said it reflects elders’ speech, and 89% felt the series balances tradition and modernity. Representation of values and customs also scored highly 89% and 81%. Viewers’ strongest connection points were traditional clothing 79%, folklore stories 67%, and Emirati humor 61%. 78% evaluated the show as effective for cultural preservation, 87% judged it a good educational tool, 84% reported learning more about Emirati traditions, and 80% recommended curricular inclusion. Textual analyses showed that Freej centers Emirati dialect, embeds proverbs and Nabati poetics in contemporary plots, and uses strategic code‑switching without eroding local specificity. Together, the evidence positioned Freej as a living, teachable archive that sustains UAE vernacular language, dialect and values.
Included in
UAE TRADITIONAL FOLKLORE THROUGH MODERN MEDIA AND ITS EDUCATIONAL POTENTIAL: THE CASE OF FREEJ
Room 2124, H1 Building
This mixed‑methods study examined how the Emirati animated series Freej preserves traditional folklore through vernacular language, dialect, and idiomatic expressions, and evaluated its educational potential. Guided by four questions on folklore representation, dialect/idiom use, the role of the characters, and curricular applicability, the research combined content analysis of selected episodes, interviews coding and a survey of 100 Emirati participants; survey data were summarized with descriptive statistics to triangulate qualitative insights. Findings indicated that audiences overwhelmingly perceived Freej as linguistically and culturally authentic: 95% rated the dialect as very/somewhat authentic, 94% said it reflects elders’ speech, and 89% felt the series balances tradition and modernity. Representation of values and customs also scored highly 89% and 81%. Viewers’ strongest connection points were traditional clothing 79%, folklore stories 67%, and Emirati humor 61%. 78% evaluated the show as effective for cultural preservation, 87% judged it a good educational tool, 84% reported learning more about Emirati traditions, and 80% recommended curricular inclusion. Textual analyses showed that Freej centers Emirati dialect, embeds proverbs and Nabati poetics in contemporary plots, and uses strategic code‑switching without eroding local specificity. Together, the evidence positioned Freej as a living, teachable archive that sustains UAE vernacular language, dialect and values.