Exploring perception in multilingual audiovisual products: A Babelian portrayal of European stereotypes

Abstract

This study examines how national and cultural stereotypes, as depicted in audiovisual media, shape the identities of both the EU and the UK. Using excerpts from the multilingual TV series Parlement (2020), the research focuses on post-Brexit portrayals of stereotypes on screen. Over a period of four years, we surveyed 158 young Europeans to gauge their responses to cultural, historical, and political stereotypes presented in the series. The findings reveal changing attitudes toward EU identity amid ongoing socio-political fragmentation, highlighting the complex interaction between media representation and audience interpretation. Our research illuminates the challenges of fostering cross-cultural cohesion, providing insights into how stereotypes are negotiated in multilingual contexts and underscoring the influential role of audiovisual media in shaping collective identities.