THE SEMANTICS REVIEW ON THE ANALYSIS OF IDIOMS IN ZOOTOPIA FILM

Abstract

This study employs semantic analysis to investigate idiomatic expressions within the Disney animated film Zootopia. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, Zootopia conveys significant messages about understanding differences and fostering friendships despite societal stereotypes. The film blends humor and social commentary, featuring complex idioms that reflect broader social issues and character interactions. Through qualitative research, the study identifies 53 idiomatic phrases, analyzing their literal and idiomatic sense. The findings reveal a distinct semantic divergence; the literal interpretations often appear nonsensical or exaggerated, while the idiomatic meanings derive from cultural context and character relationships. This illustrates how language can convey emotional resonance and thematic depth. Moreover, idiomatic expressions, such as "time is money" and "pawpsicle hustler," provide both entertainment and educational value, making the film accessible, particularly for younger audiences. The analysis underscores the importance of idiomatic language in storytelling, highlighting its role in communication, humor, and character identification, thereby enriching viewers' linguistic awareness. The study suggests further exploration of idiomatic expressions in various media, proposing that film can serve as a valuable educational tool for enhancing understanding of idioms among language learners. Future research could incorporate quantitative methodologies to reveal patterns in idiomatic usage across different genres, enhancing comprehension and retention for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students.